Hugh Baird College recently held its annual ‘Inspire and Shine’ Student Awards Evening, which celebrated the success of students from across all areas of the College, recognising them for their achievements and dedication during their time inside and outside the College.
Award winners, their guests, college governors and staff were joined by guest compere Eithne Browne, stage, film and TV actress. Born in Huyton, Eithne is known for her starring roles in the original Blood Brothers in the West End and TV appearances on Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Waterloo Road, Cold Feet and as Brookside regular Chrissy Rogers; she has enjoyed a dazzling career spanning more than three decades.
The awards presented to students featured eleven Directorate awards and three special awards announced on the evening. These included the Student of the Year award for the Directorate of Apprenticeships, Traineeships, Community and Adult Education, which apprentice Georgia Hill won.
Georgia showed resilience and commitment to her healthcare apprenticeship, despite the setbacks, such as her football career ending due to injury. She adapted, improving her communication skills and clinical abilities, and showed dedication to her duties and patient care within challenging environments. Georgia has demonstrated devotion to learning and a desire to aid those in need.
Another award presented on the evening was the Denholm Logistics Excellence in Employability Skills award. At the beginning of this academic year, Hugh Baird College initiated a partnership with Denholm Logistics, paving the way for exciting scholarship opportunities for students.
The award winner, Paul Osaigbovo, was nominated for the award by Emma Griffiths, Curriculum Manager at Hugh Baird College. Emma said:
“Relocating to Liverpool to finish his Extended Diploma in Business at Hugh Baird College, Paul has excelled, securing university offers and surpassing expectations during his Denholm Logistic scholarship. His industry insights contributed to a distinction in his Employer Led Project. Paul’s mature learning approach and proactive attitude predict a promising future.”
The final award presented on the evening was the Outstanding Student of the Year award. This award is given to a student who not only represents the College’s values but who has also made a significant impact and embodies the essence of ‘inspiration’. Barbering student Hasan Hasan won the award.
Hasan came to the UK with their family in 2015 from his homeland of Syria. He greatly supported his fellow students and tutors, sharing his prior Barbering knowledge and experience in practical sessions and occasionally taking on the role of junior tutor.
Hasan engrossed himself in College life, regularly participating in extra-curricular activities such as Open House events and competitions and offering haircuts to local care homes. He even brought Eid celebrations into the College with a special event for students and staff of the hairdressing and beauty department.
Hugh Baird College Principal and Chief Executive, Rachael Hennigan, said:
“I feel lucky to be the Principal of Hugh Baird College on most days, but it is on evenings like these that I feel an even greater sense of pride.”
“It is a privilege to witness not only how our students grow and develop but also to watch how they do it. They do it with passion, grit, drive and commitment. Regardless of their barriers or challenges, they don’t allow anything to get in the way of their relentless pursuit to achieve their aspirations.”
“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.”
The complete list of 2023 award winners:
- Health Creative Industries and Protective Services: Hasan Hasan
- Professional Construction and Trades: Charlie Povall
- Business Engagement: Thomas Downey
- Building Services, Digital, Engineering and Business: Tara King
- English and Maths: Amolen Mukhles
- Thornton College, Learning for Life and Foundation Studies: Kyle Parr
- Apprenticeships, Traineeships, Community and Adult Education: Georgia Hill
- 14-16 College: Lara Norman
- Higher Skills and Access: Elyse Mooney
- A-levels: Tre Duke Alexander
- Denholm Logistics Excellence in Employabilty Skills Award: Paul Osaigbovo
- Peel Ports Excellence in Employabilty Skills Award: Kierian O’Connor
- English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL): Mustafa Naser
- Outstanding Student of the Year: Hasan Hasan