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