College celebrates students’ success
Hundreds of higher education students graduated at a ceremony at West Lothian College.
Be brave, be adventurous and, most of all, be you
Graduating students took their seats on October 26 to listen to speeches from the chair of the college’s board of management, the principal and special guest Shelley Kerr, manager of Scotland’s national women’s football team.
Shelley Kerr advised students to be fearless and take any chance they get to move forward.
She said: “I left school with no qualifications but graduated later in life with a Masters in sport management at the University of Stirling.
“I didn’t achieve my degree through the typical route and I wanted to stress that everyone has the ability to achieve things in their life.
“My advice to the students who were graduating was to be brave, be adventurous and, most of all, be you.”
After students received their graduation scrolls local MSP Angela Constance announced student of the year awards which recognised those who stood out through their commitment to supporting others, representing the college, volunteering or for achieving additional qualifications or being successful in competitions.
HNC events graduate Alexander
McDonald, HNC childhood practice graduate Connor Green, HND software development graduate Francesco Loria, and HNC social care graduate Julie Anne Graham were announced as the worthy winners.
The overall student of the year award went to Olivia Rae, who graduated with an HNC in childhood practice.
HNC contemporary art practice graduate Breagh Reilly was awarded the SQA student of the year award for outstanding academic achievement.
College principal Jackie Galbraith presented a new award which recognises a person who has made a huge difference to students at the college over the year.
The first recipient of the West
Lothian College Ambassador Award was Donna Paterson- Harvie, the founder of Neil’s Hugs Foundation, which helps families affected by suicide and mental health problems.
Jackie said: “Donna supports students across the college to develop some of the critical skills that employers are always looking for.
“She also helps students with poor mental health, encouraging an openness about mental health and helping to reduce the stigma surrounding it.
“Donna is an inspirational woman and a truly amazing friend to our students and staff and I was delighted to present her with our first ever West Lothian College Ambassador Award.”