Outstanding students celebrated at UHI Perth Prizegiving ceremony

Special Prizegiving ceremony recognising achievement, dedication and success across the college.

Held at the Academy of Sport and Wellbeing on the Crieff Road campus, the event brought together students, families, employers, lecturers and guests to honour those who demonstrated commitment, hard work and determination throughout their studies.

Students were invited on stage to receive awards, trophies and certificates in recognition of their exceptional accomplishments across a wide range of subject areas.

Catherine Etri, Interim Principal and Chief Executive, welcomed guests and praised the prizewinners for their success. She said:

“Today is a wonderful opportunity to come together and recognise the outstanding achievements of our students. Your success reflects not only academic excellence, but also your hard work, perseverance and ambition. You should feel extremely proud of what you have accomplished. At UHI Perth, we take great pride in supporting students at every stage of their journey. Whether you are preparing to progress to the next phase of your studies, move into employment, or simply marking an important milestone, we hope the confidence and skills you’ve developed here will continue to open doors.”

She also thanked families, staff, employers and sponsors for their continued support, highlighting the important role they play in student success, encouraging students to enjoy their day:

“Today is your moment to celebrate. Enjoy it, remember it, and know that we are excited to see where your talent and determination will take you next.”

This year’s keynote speaker, Dan Armstrong, Chief Executive of Queen of the South Football Club, shared his journey from aspiring professional footballer to senior leadership, encouraging students to embrace opportunities, take risks and remain resilient in their chosen paths.

As part of the ceremony this year, we heard from two students who gave an overview of their subject directorate. Ashley Mustard - a New Opportunities student - described what happens within the Directorate of Arts, Humanities and Education while Jay-J - a Professional Cookery student - described the activity within Business, Science, Technology.

A highlight of the ceremony was the announcement of UHI Perth Apprentice of the Year 2025/2026, awarded to David Cooper, an SVQ Carpentry and Joinery student. David was recognised for his exceptional attention to detail, strong work ethic and commitment to learning, as well as his participation in the WorldSkills UK Competition 2026. His lecturer explained:

“He consistently applies a high level of attention to detail in his work, producing accurate and high-quality results. David’s strong work ethic and keen desire to learn enable him to continually develop his construction skills, while his supportive nature sees him regularly assisting other students in class. As an entrant in the WorldSkills UK Competition 2026, he has shown both ambition and dedication to excellence, marking him out as a highly promising talent in his field.”

Prizewinning students:

Arts, Humanities and Education

Social and Vocational Studies

The Proctor Group Award for Employability

• Shannon Hunter

Eileen Robinson Cup for Personal Endeavour

• Lia Black

Communication Cup

• Lucas Curr

UHI Perth SVS Friendship Award

• Ellie Johnson

The Mark Taylor Shield for Independence

• Lewis Mitchell

Janet Martin Award for Supporting Others

• Nina Lawson

Leadership Skills Award

• McKenzie Yeaman
• Finlay Ewart

Art, Audio and Creative Technologies

NQ Art and Design Award for Excellence

• Gary Leask

NQ Art and Design Award for Personal Endeavour

• Shelley Howitt

NQ Applied Computing Award for Excellence

• Anto Kochumon

NQ Digital Design and Games Development Award for Excellence

• George Fletcher

Grace Moseley Memorial Trophy for Endeavour for NQ Computing

• Mars McKenzie

NC Sound Engineering Award for Excellence

• Philip Kubelka

NC Sound Engineering Award for Personal Endeavour

• Olha Boklan

Early Years and Education

Cathy Hamilton Memorial Cup for Endeavour

• Aaliyah Dunbar
• Emily Mitchell

Personal Achievement Award

• Cara Wilson

Personal Development Award

• Joshua Griffiths

Community and Citizenship Award

• Kieran Selfridge
• Jack Coburn

The New Opportunities Award for Excellence in Learning

• Cayden Angus

The Guildry Incorporation of Perth Award for NQ Care Level 5

• Paige Coleman

The Childcare Award for NQ in Playwork and Development

• Katie Dick

The Margaret Napier Award for NC Early Education and Childcare Group

• Millie Whittle

NQ Social Services: Children and Young People Award for Excellence

• Zoe Stephenson

ESOL

Language School Award for Excellence

• Anastasiia Parfonova

Language School Award for Personal Endeavour

• Liuba Sychova

Language School - Student of the Year

• Aland Ahmed

Humanities and Social Science

The Sar Chothrom Award for Highers in HE

• Pamela Peneva

NQ Social Sciences Award for Excellence

• Leo Alexander

Access to Humanities (SWAP) Award for Excellence

• Joni Boyd

Core Skills Communication Award for Excellence

• Alruna Webster

Music Industries and Theatre Arts

NQ Music Award for Excellence

• Aleksandra Bury

NQ Music Award for Personal Endeavour

• Josh Darroch

Schools College Partnership

School-College Partnership Foundation Apprentice of the Year

• Emily Bain

Arts, Humanities and Education - Schools-College Partnership Best Student Award

• Emily Cooper

Schools-College Partnership Excellence Achievement Award

• Eliot Newman

Business, Science, Technology and Wellbeing

Built Environment and Automotive Engineering

Colin Graham Memorial Award for Electrical Installation - 1st Stage

• Matthew Glen

Colin Graham Memorial Award for Electrical Installation - 2nd Stage

• Niall Crole

The WS Woodmachinery Carpentry and Joinery Best Apprentice Prize

• David Cooper

Scottish Building Federation - Best Craft Apprentice

• Alex Massie

Perth Branch (UCATT) Cup for Special Competence in Practical Skills

• Jamie McQuat

The Morrison Construction Shield - NPA Multi-Skills Prize for Best Student

• Tyrone Thom

NPA Carpentry and Joinery Prize for Best Student

• Ben Morgan

Perth and District Master Plumbers’ Association Award - Best First Year Apprentice

• Douglas MacDonald

Perth and District Master Plumbers’ Association Award - Best Second Year Apprentice

• Ewan Loudon

Perth and District Master Plumbers’ Association Award - Best Third Year Apprentice

• Alim Etri

Monument Tools Award - Prize for Overall Continued Excellence Years One, Two and Three

• Kieron McColl

SNIPEF Education and Training Trust Apprentice Shield

• Kieron McColl

Motor Vehicle Mechanical - Apprentice of the Year

• Joshua Adam

Training Services Trophy - MV Mechanical Apprentice of the Year

• Hamish Moore

The Donald Green Trophy - Best Overall Full Time Body Competences Student

• Karolina Milowska

The Sandy King Quaich for Application and Achievement in the Motor Trade

• Zack Stuart

Duncan McLean Quaich for Exceptional Performance in Vehicle Refinishing

• Struan Simpson

Motor Vehicle Mechanical - Prize for Outstanding Achievement

• Luke Sellen

Motor Vehicle Apprentice Award for Outstanding Achievement

• Rachel Adam

Business Engagement

Award of Excellence - Modern Apprenticeship 2025-26

• Sven Thomson

Outstanding Achievement - Modern Apprenticeship 2025-26

• Niamh Chalmers

Health, Wellbeing and Sports

NQ Access to Nursing and Social Services Level 6 Award

• Veronika Glushyna

SVQ Student of the Year for Health and Social Care

• Sheronika Samarathunge

The June Laurie Memorial Bowl for NQ Access to Nursing and Midwifery

• Nikol Suboc

The Alexander Rose Bowl for NC Beauty Care

• Charlotte McGregor

Ellisons Student of the Year Award for Endeavour

• Veronica Moorhead

Beauty Therapy Level 5: Student Award for Endeavour

• Millie Wilde

Beauty Therapy Level 6: Student Award for Endeavour

• Kara Connelly

SVQ Level 2 Hairdressing: Student of the Year

• Rebecca Stuart

SVQ Level 3 Hairdressing: Student of the Year

• Caitlin Robertson

Sport and Fitness FE Student of the Year

• Chloe Jenner-Parson

Sport and Fitness Shield for Academic Excellence

• Caomh Curtin

Sport and Fitness Personal Development and Achievement Award

• Jolanta Lamczyk

Hospitality, Business and Food Studies

The Ian Ironside Memorial Quaich for Gleneagles Patisserie Course

• Ileana Popovici

The Michael Robinson Memorial Trophy for Endeavour

• Oliver MacNicoll-Hutchcox

Visit Scotland Award for Aspiring Young Chef of the Year

• Archie Robertson

The Tom Kitchin Perpetual Challenge Trophy for Culinary Excellence

• Dakota Gerrard

NQ Business, Accounting and Administration Cup for Academic Excellence

Magdalena Kalinowska

Science, Engineering and Aviation

The Peter Milne Nurseries Prize for Best Horticulture Student

• Oliver Atkin

Glaxo Wellcome Prize for Best Access to Science Student

• Scott Carrington

The Allan Well’s Trophy for Excellence in Engineering Studies

• Arkadiusz Bernacki

Shield for Academic Achievement in Engineering

• Harry Cartwright

John Napier Award for Academic Achievement in Engineering

• Udeep Gopinath

Perth Soroptimist Award for Best Female Student in STEM related subjects

• Emily Bayne

Schools College Partnership

Business, Science, Technology and Wellbeing School/College Student of the Year

• Sumeru Pun

UHI Perth Apprentice of the Year 2025/2026

• David Cooper - Social Vocational Qualification Carpentry and Joinery: Year 2