Outstanding students celebrated in Prizegiving ceremony

Outstanding UHI Perth students were celebrated at a special Prizegiving ceremony today (Thursday 5 June 2025)

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Prizewinning UHI Perth students.

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.

Catherine Etri, Interim Principal and Chief Executive welcomed and addressed the students:

“As your Interim Principal, it’s a real pleasure to welcome you to this special celebration. Today is all about recognising the incredible achievements of our prizewinning students. To all of our students receiving awards today, I express my sincere congratulations. You’ve shown commitment, determination, and resilience throughout your studies, and today’s recognition is well-deserved.

“I’d also like to extend a warm thank you to everyone joining us: families, friends, staff, employers, and sponsors. Your support plays a vital role in helping our students reach their goals, and today’s success is shared with you. At UHI Perth, we are proud to be part of each student’s journey. Whether this is the beginning of your next chapter or a milestone along the way, we hope you’ll carry forward the confidence and skills you’ve gained here.

“I hope all of our prizewinners enjoy this well-earned moment. We look forward to seeing all the amazing things you’ll go on to achieve.”

James Crockart, a second-year student on the Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services: Healthcare, was named UHI Perth Apprentice of the Year for 2024/2025.

Recognised for his exceptional commitment, professionalism, and personal growth, James impressed both staff and service users during his placement. His maturity, strong work ethic, and supportive nature made him a valued team member and role model among peers.

James is now set to continue his journey in healthcare as he progresses to university to study Mental Health Nursing.

Lecturer in Health and Social Care, Kim Paterson, praised him:

“James is an exemplary student who has been loved and admired during his placement. His dedication, professionalism, and compassion will make him an outstanding nurse.”

Nurina Sharmin, recipient of the UHI Alumni of the Year Award 2024, was keynote speaker at this year’s event. A graduate of UHI’s Aircraft Engineering and Air Transport Operations programme, Nurina is now an aerospace engineer at BAE Systems and a UK Department for Transport Aviation Ambassador. Her address highlighted the importance of resilience, diversity, and innovation in engineering, drawing on her own journey from student to industry leader.

Nurina’s inspiring message to the prizewinning students encouraged them to embrace opportunity and lead with purpose in their chosen fields. She said:

“It’s great to be back after five years, so much has changed, yet so much is still the same. I remember being here in 2017 as a student board member, and it’s such an honour to return for this milestone moment. To all the students: this is your time! You’ve balanced college, work, jobs, family, life—and you did it. That’s something to be proud of.

“Whether you’ve got a plan for your future, or are still figuring it out, that’s okay. It’s the little steps and consistency that matter. Sometimes the biggest achievements come with quiet resilience and showing up even when you don’t feel like it.  Let’s celebrate what you’ve achieved—and look ahead to what’s still to come. Congratulations, this is only the beginning!”

Prizewinning students:

Arts, Humanities and Education

Social and Vocational Studies
The Proctor Group Award for Employability
Scott Duff

Eileen Robinson Cup for Personal Endeavour
Shane Anderson

Communication Cup
Rachel Rimmer

UHI Perth SVS Friendship Shield
Aaron Yeaman

The Mark Taylor Shield for Independence
Cheyness Chalmers

Janet Martin Award for Supporting Others
Sean Duff

Leadership Skills Award
Liam McLeod

Art, Audio and Creative Technologies
NQ Art and Design Award for Excellence
John Robertson

NQ Art and Design Award for Personal Endeavour
Vanessza Branek-Varga

Foundation Apprenticeship Creative and Digital Media Award for Excellence
Euan Steven

Foundation Apprenticeship Creative and Digital Media Award for Personal Endeavour
Robbie Allan

NQ Applied Computing Cup for Excellence
Yasin Ahmed

NQ Digital Design and Games Development Award for Excellence
Charlie McCaffrey

Grace Moseley Memorial Trophy for Endeavour for NQ Computing
Louis Meynell

NC Sound Engineering Award for Excellence
Matthew Abel

NC Sound Engineering Award for Personal Endeavour
Ailsa Laing

Early Years and Education
Cathy Hamilton Memorial Cup for Endeavour
Emma Allan

Personal Achievement Award
Lucy Sinclair

Personal Achievement Award
Myles Clapham

Community and Citizenship Award
Nela Nakladalova

The New Opportunities Award for Excellence in Learning
Kieran Cameron

The Guildry Incorporation of Perth Award for NQ Care Level 5
Caitlin Beveridge

The Childcare Award for NQ in Playwork and Development
Zoe Stewart

The Margaret Napier Award for NC Early Education and Childcare Group
Joanna Wronska

NQ Social Services: Children & Young People Award for Excellence
Joanna Buhl

ESOL
Language School Award for Excellence
Natalia Kaczowka

Language School Award for Personal Endeavour
Mohammed Almarfadi

Language School Student of the Year
Thomas Tigkas

Humanities and Social Science
The Sar Chothrom Award for Highers in HE
Connor Duguid

NQ Social Science Award for Excellence
Alexis Marshall

Access to Humanities (SWAP) Award for Excellence
Cheryl Hutchison

Core Skills Communication Award for Excellence
Toni Hoggins

Music Industries and Theatre Arts
NQ Music Award for Excellence
Lauren Finlayson

NQ Music Award for Personal Endeavour
Alexander MacRae

Schools College Partnership
Foundation Apprentice of the Year
Andrew Wilkie

Arts, Humanities and Education Schools-College Student of the Year
Kelsey Dow

Business, Science, Technology and Wellbeing

Built Environment and Automotive Engineering
The Peter Milne Nurseries Prize for Best Horticulture Student
Jaeden Singh

Colin Graham Memorial Award for Electrical Installation - 1st Stage
Niall Crole

Colin Graham Memorial Award for Electrical Installation - 2nd Stage
Kristian McDonald

The WS Woodmachinery Carpentry and Joinery Best Apprentice Prize
Christopher Fairley

Scottish Building Federation Best Craft Apprentice
Boyd Ferguson

Perth Branch (UCATT) Cup for Special Competence in Practical Skills
Robert McKerracher

The Morrison Construction Shield NPA Multi-Skills Prize for Best Student
Inese Keisa

NPA Carpentry and Joinery Prize for Best Student
Lewis MacDonald

The James Petterson Memorial Award
George McKechnie

Perth and District Master Plumbers’ Association Award Best First Year Apprentice
Aaran Innes

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

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

Monument Tools Award Prize for Overall Continued Excellence Years One, Two and Three
Michael Hughes

SNIPEF Education and Training Trust Apprentice Shield
Michael Hughes

MV Mechanical Apprentice of the Year
Jayden Lennie

Training Services Trophy MV Mechanical Apprentice of the Year
Bobby Rough

The Donald Green Trophy Best Overall Full Time Body Competences Student
Jim Sinclair

The Sandy King Quaich for Application and Achievement in the Motor Trade
David Maver

Moray Firth Training Group (Inverness) Endeavour Award
Alexander Roy

Duncan McLean Quaich for Exceptional Performance in Vehicle Refinishing
Paul Harvey

MV Mechanical Prize for Outstanding Achievement
Lilly Attwell

Business Engagement
Award of Excellence Modern Apprenticeship 2023-24
Davina Monteith

Outstanding Achievement Modern Apprenticeship 2023-24
Gary Wittmann

Health, Wellbeing and Sports
NQ Access to Nursing & Social Services Level 6 Award
Grace Watkinson

SVQ Student of the Year for Health and Social Care
Christina Campbell

The June Laurie Memorial Bowl for NQ Access to Nursing and Midwifery
Toni Hoggins

The Alexander Rose Bowl for NC Beauty Care
Gracie Flockhart

Ellisons Student of the Year Award for Endeavour
Magdalena Kalinowska

Beauty Therapy Level 5 Student Award for Endeavour
Kacie Bolland

Beauty Therapy Level 6 Student Award for Endeavour
Florina Bogdan

SVQ Level 2 Hairdressing Student of the Year
Jo Yaxley

SVQ Level 3 Hairdressing Student of the Year
Nicola Cowie

Sport and Fitness FE Student of the Year
Jamie Donaldson

Sport and Fitness Shield for Academic Excellence
Skye Sturrock

Sport and Fitness Personal Development and Achievement Award
Wendy Ewing

Hospitality, Business and Food Studies
The Ian Ironside Memorial Quaich for Gleneagles Patisserie Course
Mirela Tsepele

The Michael Robinson Memorial Trophy for Endeavour
Joshua Martin

Visit Scotland Award for Aspiring Young Chef of the Year
Joe Ponton

The Tom Kitchin Perpetual Challenge Trophy for Culinary Excellence
Daniel Beattie

NQ Business, Accounting and Administration Cup for Academic Excellence
Marta Yablonska

Science, Engineering and Aviation
Glaxo Wellcome Prize for Best Access to Science Student
Violet Sparks

The Allan Well’s Trophy for Excellence in Engineering Studies
Laura McColl

Shield for Academic Achievement in Engineering
Kieron Gibson

John Napier Award for Academic Achievement in Engineering
Lewis Ireland

Perth Soroptimist Award for Best Female Student in STEM related subjects
Jacqueline Wright

Schools College Partnership
Business, Science, Technology and Wellbeing School-College Student of the Year
Aiden Cross