Awards for students

Awards for students

12 February 2014

THE South Eastern Regional College’s Downpatrick campus recently hosted the organisation’s annual student excellence awards ceremony.

The event celebrates the achievements of the best performing students during 2013, providing the College with an opportunity to reward those whose commitment to learning and training set them apart from their peers.

The annual awards not only recognise those who achieve academic excellence, but students who have shown commitment and dedication to education and personal development and who have overcome difficulties in order to succeed.

Awards were presented to outstanding students from across the College’s study areas, as well as apprentice, trainee and student of the year awards.

College governor, David Lamb, told students, their families and invited guests that the awards ceremony was also about thanking local businesses which provides the organisation with “invaluable support.”

He continued: “We consider businesses our friends and partners in providing a world class education for students who deserve success for their excellent work. It is obvious we have a lot of talent in our local community who will go on to work in, or indeed start, businesses both locally and globally.”

Guest speaker, Carrie Carrie Hanna, praised the hard work and commitment of both students and tutors.

She continued: “I’m extremely honoured to be amongst such talented and hardworking students. I want to encourage you all to continue to follow your dreams and visions.”

College principal and chief executive, Mr. Ken Webb, described the annual awards as the highlight of the college calendar.

“The awards showcase students’ achievements in a variety of programme areas and are an opportunity for the lecturing staff to celebrate with them students after all their hard work.

“Our staff have improved student success rates, keeping us in the top 10 per cent of colleges nationally. They have also helped learners to win national awards, medals in global competitions and progress to some of the most prestigious universities, as well as helping many students to find employment, a remarkable achievement in such challenging economic times.”

A selection of special awards on the night were presented to Andrea McMaster who received the “excellence in learning in the face of challenge award,” while Downpatrick Cricket Club and Down Council were presented with a business award to recognise their on-going support and provision of student placements.

The awards ceremony was sponsored by Mount Charles Group, City and Guilds, Graham Construction and the East Down Education Partnership.