Class acts take a bow at annual awards ceremony
PUPILS from schools across East Renfrewshire have been honoured at a special awards ceremony.
A host of prizes were presented at the Convener’s Awards for Outstanding Achievement.
Organised by East Renfrewshire Council, a total of 90 young people took a bow as their impressive efforts over the past year were recognised by education chiefs.
Pupils from all of the area’s secondary schools, along with Isobel Mair School, in Newton Mearns, were honoured during the ceremony, which was held at Clarkston Hall on Wednesday, March 27.
Nominations for individuals or groups to win an award were submitted by school staff and pupils within a wide range of categories, including sports, creativity, personal achievement, advocacy, extra-curricular and community service.
Councillor Andrew Anderson, East Renfrewshire’s education, equalities, culture and leisure convener, presented each of the winners with a certificate and commemorative award.
He told the Barrhead News: “It’s always fantastic to celebrate such a wide range of achievements by pupils from across all our schools and this is an event I look forward to each year.
“In every category, it is clear that the pupils have shown dedication and commitment to their chosen pursuits.
“All of the winners should be incredibly proud of themselves. They are a credit to not only themselves but also to their families and their school.”
Mark Ratter, East Renfrewshire’s director of education, also praised each of the youngsters who received an award.
He said: “Well done to all of our incredible young people who have been recognised with a Convener’s
Award for their exceptional achievements.
“We continue to strive to offer all of our pupils a vast array of opportunities to achieve and I am delighted we have been able to recognise the hard work of this group of pupils, who are now well equipped to excel in the next stages of their lives beyond school.”
Among those who received an award was Barrhead High pupil William Hughes, who was recognised for his sporting achievements in both kickboxing and Tae Kwon Do.
Managing the demands of a rigorous training schedule alongside his studies, William is now competing for his country in kickboxing and is ready to take to the global stage in his hunt for glory. Another award winner was aspiring chef Amber Rissman, of Mearns Castle High, who was honoured in the extra curricular category.
Having won the Scottish Springboard Future Chef competition, Amber has gone on to train with a range of high-profile culinary experts. Valuable experience has been gained at the two Michelin star restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, as well as working alongside renowned chef Gary Townsend at the prestigious One Devonshire Gardens, in Glasgow. Meanwhile, Isobel Mair School pupil Jason Gray, inset, won an award in the creativity category for his work in the electronic dance music genre.
Jason is the composer, performer and producer of many music tracks and uses the latest technology to lay down beats. He has already created an album of tracks and is dedicated to his music.
Jason is self-taught, making him an inspiring role model for anyone wishing to pursue a creative dream.
In the community service category, Eastwood High pupil Sana Iqbal was praised for her three years of service with the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers (PSYV).
Having helped out at major events across the Glasgow area, Sana has so far amassed an impressive 167 hours of volunteering.
This has seen her rise to the status of senior youth volunteer at the PSYV, due to her natural leadership qualities and dedication.
Joining Sana as winners in the community service category were Matthew Wylie (Isobel Mair School); Sophie Pearce, Maisie Quin and Neve McNab (all Mearns Castle High); Ava Hannah, Jessica Escosio and Mhairi Zing (all St Ninian’s High); and Olivia McLachlan and Abbie Beveridge (both Woodfarm High).
The full list of winners in the advocacy category is Sarah You Li, Asfand Imran, Holly Stevenson, Meleeca Baig, Anie Deeney, Grace Lochrie and Thomas Limpitlaw (all St Luke’s High); Jenson Black (Woodfarm High); and Adam Fergus, Molly Gill, Erin Kirkland and Adam Smith (all Eastwood High).
Awards for contribution to the school community went to Philippa Taggart, Emily Darroch, Krish Bhasin and Meghan Burns (all St Ninian’s High), for their work in the Mentors in Violence Prevention project.
Successful in the creativity category were Barrhead High pupils Elizabeth McGregor, Marysia Figurska, Brooke Pearson, Amy Elrick, Freya McGuire and Sophie Jordan, for their efforts in the Students Enquiry group.
There was a further award for Elizabeth, alongside fellow Barrhead High pupils