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Students, staff, friends, and family from across Southern Regional College’s campuses gathered at the Canal Court Hotel in Newry earlier this month to celebrate student accomplishments within each of the College’s four faculty areas through awards for ‘Classmate of the Year’, ‘Star Fundraiser’ and ‘Employer Choice’.
Guest speaker at the event was Adele Loughran, Global Operations Manager at EOS IT Solutions based in Banbridge. Adele is a past student having completed her Foundation Degree in Computing in Network Systems in 2016. Since completing her foundation degree, Adele’s career has skyrocketed, and she was on hand to offer advice to current students seeking out opportunities within employment. Adele commented:
“Over the years, I received great encouragement, and this gave me the drive to take on more opportunities and challenges. I found myself constantly raising my hand for more exposure to different areas of the business and by doing so I progressed from the basics to managing the end-to-end Operations of a Global Supply Chain program.”
With a message of constant evaluation and seeking out opportunities, Adele was keen to encourage students to reach for their potential. Adele added “I would like to congratulate all of you on your achievements, nominations and awards you have received today. And as this part of your journey with SRC is coming to an end and you are considering your plans for the future, I wish you the best of luck. Your road is your choice, believe in yourself and grab every opportunity as it presents itself.”
Lee Campbell, Interim Principal & CEO of Southern Regional College commented “Today’s awards recognise many facets of excellence – from those who have excelled academically, to those whose commitment to personal and professional development has been astounding, all of which displays an unwavering determination to succeed. Congratulations to each and every one of our award recipients today. You have demonstrated exceptional character and determination. Your achievements are a source of immense pride for us all.”
Local students recognised in the ceremony include:
- Josef McGuigan from Newry receiving the Rising Star Award within the Faculty of Health & Science. Josef is a Level 3 Health & Social Care student and an active member of the Royal College Nursing Cadets scheme, the first cohort of students from Northern Ireland to partake in this programme. Josef was also commended for his leadership qualities and dedication to his studies.
- Newry professional chef students TJ Cashel O’Farrell and Thomas McCrink who both gave medal winning performances at IFEX earlier this year. IFEX is Northern Ireland’s premier hospitality and catering competition.
- Tiling student Patryk Niedoba who is currently undertaking the Level 3 apprenticeship. Patryk was awarded the Student Recognition Award following his recent Montgomery Award for Wall & Floor Tiling and gold medal at WorldSkills UK.
- Albert Karomo from Newry who received a recognition award. Albert was selected as the Royal College of Nursing Cadet (RCN) Ambassador for Northern Ireland. This allows him to assist the delivery of modules for the next cohort of cadets and represent Northern Ireland at Cadet Voice, a UK-wide forum for RCN Cadets. Additionally, he is also a volunteer for St John Ambulance.
- Clara-Rose Cooney from Kilkeel who is set to compete at WorldSkills UK this coming November. Clara-Rose is currently a Level 3 Health & Social Care student at the Newry campus and is recognised as ‘one to watch’.
- Jamie Gray from Newry. Jamie received a Student Recognition Award following his win at the Irish Colleges Boxing Championships. Jamie is also set to represent Ireland in the Haringey Cup next month.
