At Southern Regional College’s 2024 Graduation ceremony, held on Friday 30th August, eight special awards were presented to graduating students by guest speakers Economy Minister Conor Murphy and Cool FM presenter Rebecca McKinney.
Awards included seven faculty awards, for full-time and part-time courses across SRC’s four faculties and the all-important Outstanding Classmate Award, an award where students nominated a well deserving peer.
Winning the 2024 Outstanding Classmate Award was Michelle McParland from Belleek. Michelle received several nominations for the award, testament to her worthiness for the award. Michelle consistently dedicated herself to the role of class representative for the BA (Hons) English and History degree, ensuring that all class needs were heard. Michelle also provided steadfast support to her peers, especially during times of stress or overwhelm.
Students winning awards from the Faculty of Computing, Design and Academic Studies were Caolan McQuaid and Jailson Embalo. Caolan graduated from the Creative Media Production – Film Higher National Diploma having achieved distinctions across all units. Caolan excelled himself during his studies, always being a willing learner and engaging with project based learning projects in the College’s Design Centre. Testament to his willingness to participate in projects, Caolan has since gained employment in film production with Big Mountain Productions.
Jailson Embalo from Portadown graduated with the Foundation Degree in Science in Computing. Jailson studied this course through the Higher Level Apprenticeship programme where he undertook work based learning with his employer Almac Group four days a week, with one day spent in College learning theory. This approach to learning enabled Jailson to have a work/life balance whilst gaining a qualification. On his nomination for the part-time student award, Jailson’s tutor noted, “Jailson is very approachable, knowledgeable and always keen to get involved. A truly remarkable, consistent student who has genuinely excelled at everything over the last three years.”
Students from the Health and Social Care Faculty recognised by their lecturers include Elisha Hall and Linzie Haire.
Elisha who studied the Ulster University Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care completed a placement working with individuals with additional needs, delivering a service plan to advance the needs of these individuals. Not content with this, Elisha additionally developed a mindfulness programme, again for individuals with additional needs, which proved to be a hit amongst participants.
Linzie Haire proudly graduated with a BA (Hons) English & History degree from Liverpool John Moores University. Throughout her academic journey Linzie distinguished herself with her academic prowess, insatiable curiosity and enthusiasm for acquiring knowledge in areas beyond taught materials, making her a fantastic student to teach due to her thirst for knowledge.
As a mature student, Linzie’s story is particularly inspiring. She returned to education through an Access Diploma in Adult Learning. These Diploma’s provide a broad education experience and offers a route to Higher Education. Her success demonstrates that it is never too late to pursue one’s academic dreams.
Students within the Faculty of Professional Services scooping up awards include full-time student Julie Bicker from the Level 5 Foundation Degree in Sport and Exercise and part-time BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise student Jack-Daniel Magill. Both achieved spectacular marks for their studies, working exceptionally hard. For Jack-Daniel what is more impressive is achieving his first-class honours whilst holding down a full-time job, a difficult task requiring skills in multi-tasking and prioritisation. Noteworthy is Jack-Daniels final dissertation covering the influence of family’s socioeconomic status on sporting participation.
In the final faculty, Building, Technology and Engineering the noteworthy winner was Banbridge graduate Michael McKey. Michael previously successfully completed the Foundation Degree in Mechatronics before progressing to the Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. Michael undertook the Bachelors Degree as part of the Higher Level Apprenticeship programme, working as a Higher Level Apprentice with Collins Aerospace.
