A SHINING ACHIEVEMENT:

Hugh Baird College Honours Outstanding Students At Their Annual Awards Evening

Hugh Baird College recently celebrated its annual ‘Inspire and Shine’ Student Awards Evening, recognising the achievements and dedication of students across all areas of the College.

The event was headline sponsored by Truline, a construction and interior design company, with additional sponsorships from employer partners including Denholm Logistics Group, Peel Ports, MSP, Persimmon, Lovell, Cadgrange, Sterling Plastering, MJS Joinery, The Big Onion, JG Joinery, Stock Brickwork and Cannon Electrical.

Award winners, their guests, college governors, and staff were honoured to have Eithne Browne, a renowned stage, film, and TV actress, as the guest compere. Students received twelve Directorate awards and five special awards. Among them, Matthew Carroll won the Student of the Year award for the Directorate of Business Engagement. Matthew was recognised for his passion for the hospitality industry and his success in highprofile competitions like the Nestle Toque D’or and WorldSkills Hospitality.

The Excellence in Employability Skills Award 2024, sponsored by Peel Ports, was another highlight. Peel Ports provides scholarships to Level 2 and Level 3 students at Hugh Baird College, preparing them for future careers in a vital sector of the economy. Demi Coakley, who returned to education after a period of ill health, won this award. Her lecturer, Carrie Kedian, praised her for excelling academically and supporting her peers, highlighting her positive attitude and resilience.

The evening concluded with the Principal’s Award of Excellence 2024, awarded to Maisie Price, a Sefton Sixth Form College A-level student. Nominated by her Personal Development Coach, Julie Bass, Maisie was celebrated for her hard work and dedication to caring for her brother with severe learning difficulties. Hugh Baird College Principal and Chief Executive, Rachael Hennigan, expressed her pride in the students, stating:

“I feel proud of our students, what they have become, and the amazing things they will go on to achieve. Their passion, grit, and relentless drive to achieve great things are truly inspiring. I wish them the very best for the future, whether going to university, progressing onto an apprenticeship, or gaining full employment within their chosen fields.”