University of the Highlands and Islands Celebrates Dedicated Students in Prizegiving Ceremony

UHI Perth students were celebrated at a special Prizegiving ceremony on Thursday 6 June 2024.

Held in UHI Perth’s Academy of Sport and Wellbeing (ASW) on the Crieff Road campus, the event honoured students who demonstrated commitment, hard work and determination in their academic and personal lives.

Alongside their families, employers, lecturers and guests, the students enjoyed speeches, before being invited on stage and presented with their awards, trophies and certificates to recognise their exceptional achievements.

Keynote Speaker was lain Mackenzie, Teacher of Physical Education at Perth Grammar School who graduated with a Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours in Sport and Fitness, and gained a Professional Graduate Diploma in Education.

He shared with the audience: “The message I want to share is to not give up when things get tough. I completed six years at UHI Perth, and each year the work load, assessments and deadlines became more difficult. Once I had moved onto the Scottish Education Pathway at Strathclyde University, it really hit me how far I had come.

“This time last year, when I had finished my last ever day as a student, I celebrated with my family. This was a huge moment of reflection for me and was quite overwhelming at the time. I had done it, I had reached my end goal – I had graduated as a PE teacher.

“Asides having my family support me through my journey, I was constantly support by the UHI Perth Sport and Fitness department. I was in a position where I started from the very bottom of the pathway programme and worked my way up to the very highest. I want to take this moment to highlight how this is a full-circle moment for me. Years ago, I was just like my pupils: eager, curious, and passionate about sport and physical fitness. I remember the guidance, encouragement, and life lessons my lecturers imparted, shaping not only my sporting abilities but also my character and values. Now, as I watch my own pupils grow, learn, and achieve their personal bests at Perth Grammar School, I see reflections of my younger self. The pride in their accomplishments, the determination in their eyes, and the joy of discovering their potential bring my journey full-circle. It’s a testament to the enduring impact of education and the power of leadership, passion and support. This reaffirms my belief in the transformative power of teaching and the incredible privilege it is to guide the next generation toward their own full-circle moments.

“I want to take this moment to highlight the journey you have all been on and congratulate you all for not giving up. You are sitting in front of me today because you have all been motivated, determined and supported to achieve and you should take pride in your awards. I am very honoured to be supporting this year’s event and awarding your achievements.”

Prizewinning students:

Applied Life Sciences – Social and Vocational Studies

Brogan Dodds
The Proctor Group Award for Employability

Amy Hewton
Personal Achievement Award

Steven Rothwell
Eileen Robinson Cup for Personal Endeavour

Diana Mihai
Communication Cup

Harry Henderson
UHI Perth SVS Friendship Shield

Sean Thomson
The Mark Taylor Shield for Independence

Zaher Jarjoomi
Janet Martin Award for Supporting Others

Zaher Jarjoomi
Leadership Skills Award

New Opportunities

George Reid
Community Learning Award

Ember Laing
Cathy Hamilton Memorial Cup for Endeavour

Ailsa Laing
Personal Achievement Award

Harris Burke
Personal Development Award

Anna Trepczyk
Adult Learners Personal Achievement Award

Keira Bartlett
Community and Citizenship Award

Jamie Young
The New Opportunities Award for Excellence in Learning

Aleksandra Wojton
The Guildry Incorporation of Perth Award for NQ Care Level 5

Health and Social Care

Sophie Thomas
NQ Access to Nursing and Social Services Level 6 Award

Rebecca Webster
SVQ Student of the Year for Health and Social Care

Dinah Henderson
The June Lawrie Memorial Bowl for NQ Access to Nursing and Midwifery

Social Science

Nathan Jeffrey
The Sár Chothrom Award for Highers for HE

Sam Cameron
The Stewart Fraser Quaich for Excellence in HNC

Early Education and Childcare

Ezrik Grogan
The Childcare Award for NQ in Playwork and Development

Samantha Davidson
The Margaret Napier Award for NC Early Education and Childcare Group NQ Social Services: Children and Young People SCQF Level 6

Hair and Beauty

Elspeth McClement
The Alexander Rose Bowl for NC Beauty Care

Taylor McMillan
Ellisons Student of the Year Award for Endeavour

Joanna Koscinska
Beauty Therapy Level 5: Student Award for Endeavour

Kirsty Mclaughlin
Beauty Therapy Level 6: Student Award for Endeavour

Nicola Cowie
SVQ Level 2 Hairdressing: Student of the Year

Viyan Noori
SVQ Level 3 Hairdressing: Student of the Year

Schools

James Crockart
Best Year 1 Foundation Apprentice

Imogen Pengilley
Applied Life Sciences – Best Schools/College Student

Hospitality

Liam Taylor
The Ian Ironside Memorial Quaich for Gleneagles Patisserie Course

Daniel Beattie
The Michael Robinson Memorial Trophy for Endeavour

Sara Taylor
SVQ Lets Get Into Hospitality Award

Jack McIntyre
VisitScotland Award for Aspiring Young Chef of the Year

Alastair Leighton
The Tom Kitchin Perpetual Challenge Trophy for Culinary Excellence

Business, Management and Computing

Nikki MaGuire
NQ Applied Computing Cup for Academic Excellence

Alex Welch
NQ Digital Design and Games Development Cup for Academic Excellence

Abrel Abebe
NQ Applied Computing Award for Exemplary Attitude to Studies

Ciaran Donoghue
NQ Digital Design and Games Development Award for Exemplary Attitude to Studies

Louis Bishop
Grace Moseley Memorial Trophy for Endeavour for NQ Computing

Veronika Sitkei
NQ Business, Accounting and Administration Cup for Academic Excellence

Henry Baker
NQ Business, Accounting and Administration Award for Exemplary Attitude to Studies

Sport and Fitness

Tyler Brand
Sport and Fitness FE Student of the Year

Mylo Scott
Sport and Fitness Shield for Academic Excellence

Logan Odindo
Sport and Fitness Personal Development and Achievement Award

Findlay Newman
Sport and Fitness – Best Schools/College Student

Schools

Chelsea Greer
Best Year 2 Foundation Apprentice

Marcel Zawadzinski
Business Management, Computing & Leisure – Best Schools/College Student

Creative Industries

Roisin Gairns
NQ Art and Design – Prize for Excellence

Ilianna Gkoka
NQ Art and Design – Prize for Personal Endeavour

Tess Findlay
FA Creative and Digital Media – Prize for Excellence

Music and Music Business

Moira Brown
NC Music – Prize for Excellence

Stella Frampton
NC Music – Prize for Personal Endeavour

Finn Charters
NPA Music Business – Prize for Excellence

Audio Engineering and Theatre Arts

Harry Kidd
NC Sound Engineering – Prize for Excellence

Zima Keogh
NC Sound Engineering – Prize for Personal Endeavour

Fraser Paterson
NQ Acting and Theatre Performance – Prize for Excellence

Language School

Larysa Galinovska
Language School – Prize for Excellence

Iulian Suditu
Language School – Prize for Personal Endeavour

Ligia Volovaci

Language School – Student of the Year

Schools

Robbie Strachan
Creative & Cultural Industries – Best Schools/College Student

Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths
Horticulture

Andrew Brown
The Peter Milne Nurseries Prize for Best Horticulture Student

Science

Samuel Hedley
Glaxo Wellcome Prize for Best Access to Science Student

Kimberley Wilson
The Shell UK Forfar Prize for Science Highers

Engineering

Joshua Black
The Allan Well’s Trophy for Excellence in Engineering Studies

Annie Connolly-Davis
Shield for Academic Achievement in Engineering

Sam Quinn
John Napier Award for Academic Achievement in Engineering

Jean Wishart
Perth Soroptimist Award for Best Female Student in STEM Related Subjects

Built Environment

Jamie Scott
Colin Graham Memorial Award for Electrical Installation – 1st Stage

Samuel Cairns
Colin Graham Memorial Award for Electrical Installation – 2nd Stage

Mark Farmer
The WS Woodmachinery Carpentry and Joinery Best Apprentice Prize

Sam Colmy
Scottish Building Federation – Best Craft Apprentice

Shae McKiddie
Perth Branch (UCATT) Cup for Special Competence in Practical Craft Skills

Tomas Saunders
The Morrison Construction Shield – NPA Multi-Skills Prize for Best Student

Cody Young
NPA Construction Prize for Best Student

Finn Tulloch
NPA Construction Most Improved Student

Corey Davie
NQ Plumbing Student of the Year

Kieron McColl
Perth and District Master Plumbers’ Association Award – Best First Year Apprentice

Michael Hughes
Perth and District Master Plumbers’ Association Award – Best Second Year Apprentice

Ben Sutherland
Perth and District Master Plumbers’ Association Award – Best Third Year Apprentice

Josh Taylor
Monument Tools Award – Prize for Overall Continued Excellence Years One, Two and Three

Michael Hughes
SNIPEF Education and Training Trust Apprentice Shield

Cory Sweeney
The James Petterson Memorial Award

Christos Stavridis
Hadden Group Award for Best Built Environment Student

Automotive Engineering

Daniel Morris
W T Boyd Cup for Best Motor Vehicle Craft Apprentice

Kenneth Madriaga
Training Services Trophy – Motor Vehicle Apprentice of the Year

Jakub Rosik
Scottish Motor Trade Association Cup

Jacqueline Wright
The Donald Green Trophy – Best Overall Full Time Body Competences Student

Matthew Sandler
Automotive Engineering Prize for Academic Distinction

Connel Crichton
The Sandy King Quaich for Application and Achievement in the Motor Trade

Alexander Roy
UHI Perth Best Vehicle Body Repair Apprentice

Stephen Gallagher
Perth College Award for Academic Excellence – Motor Vehicle Engineering

Marcus Moore
Moray Firth Training Group (Inverness) Endeavour Award

Megan McCafferty
Duncan McLean Quaich for Exceptional Performance in Vehicle Refinishing

Derek Kilpatrick
Perth College Shield for Excellence in Vehicle Accident Repair

Jonatan Majerowski
Automotive Engineering Award for Academic Achievement

Core Skills Awards

Finn Tulloch
Core Skills Communication Award for Outstanding Attitude, Attendance and Performance

Keri Netherington
Core Skills Numeracy Award for Exemplary Attitude to Work

Michael Mitchell
Core Skills Information Technology Award for Outstanding Attitude, Attendance and Performance

Sean Clark
Core Skills Award for Outstanding Attendance, Performance and Industry for National 5 Maths

National Training Programmes

Oliver Young
Award of Excellence – Modern Apprenticeship 2023-24

Rebecca Webster
Outstanding Achievement – Modern Apprenticeship 2023-24

Oliver Young
UHI Perth Apprentice Of The Year 2023-2024