Hugh Baird College students still honoured during lockdown

This year Hugh Baird College had to cancel their annual Student Awards Evening which was set to celebrate the success of students from across all areas of the College, recognising them for their hard work and dedication during their time inside and outside of the College.

Due to the Covid-19 outbreak the College had to transition to remote learning and working, cancelling all planned visits and events. However, this did not stop the College celebrating the amazing hard work and dedication shown by the students.

All 25 awards were presented to the winning students either at home or in college. These included the Student of the Year award for Access to Higher Education, won by Adam Rutherford, Adam currently studies on the Access to Higher Education Social Sciences programme after completing his Level 2 Health and Social Care qualification at the College.

Adam had a challenging journey to get to where he is today, from two family losses at the age of 13, which led him to take on the responsibility of working to provide for his family, alongside battling his own mental health and dyslexia struggles.

Alongside his studies, Adam also volunteers at the Life Rooms Bootle helping those who are also struggling with support and guidance from his own experiences.

Another award presented on the evening was the Student of the Year for Building Services, won by Dilyana Staneva. As well as being a full time student in the College, Dilyana is also a full-time member of the Colleges Estates Team.

Over the past 12 months, Dilyana has shown an incredible work ethic to her studies and whilst most students have their lunch break, Dilyana leaves class, changes her uniform and is back supporting the College environment.

In recent events and the impact of the pandemic, Dilyana has maintained her inspirational work ethic, supporting her classmates remotely and continually giving 100% to her qualification.

Rachael Hennigan, Principal and Chief Executive of Hugh Baird College, said:

During my first couple of months here at the College, I have met so many amazing students that deserve the recognition and so much more. I was really disappointed to have to cancel this year’s Awards Ceremony, but did not want the pandemic to stand in the way of honouring these students.

The learners awarded are in my opinion the best students around, myself and staff here at the College are all super proud of their hard work and dedication put in during their time with us, especially in the recent weeks having to adapt to the new remote way of learning. I wish them all the luck for the future, whether that be going on to university, progressing onto an apprenticeship or gaining full employment within their chosen fields.