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It’s nearly the end of the academic year, which means one thing – time to recognise the outstanding success and contributions made by Further Education students at Southern Regional College. The College held its annual award ceremony at Armagh City Hotel at the end of May. Current students were invited to attend to find out if they were worthy winners in the fields of Academic Excellence; Student Contribution which included the categories Fundraiser of the Year, Triumph Over Adversity, and Inclusivity; and lastly Student Recognition Awards.
Over fifty awards were up for grabs, with several awards having runner ups in their category, it was clear to see a decision was difficult to reach, with so many well deserving nominations.
Guest speaker at the event was Jodi Murnin. Jodi was recently a student at the College having undertaken the Higher-Level Apprenticeship in Digital Marketing and Advertising. Graduating with her degree in September 2022, Jodi has had a metaphoric rise since graduation with a recent promotion to Social Media Director at Ardmore Advertising; only having joined the business in September 2022 as Digital Marketing Manager. Jodi currently works with large clients including Translink, Stena Line, Phoenix Energy and manages social media accounts for businesses.
Reflecting on her experiences Jodi’s urges current students to believe in themselves and grab opportunities where they present. Jodi commented “Southern Regional College where I really gained a lot of confidence, and started to believe in myself, and knew that marketing was the career for me. I was so glad of the good foundation in business that I had built on from my earlier course in the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business and previous jobs, which accelerated my learning in marketing.
"I took opportunities that felt right, as and when they came up. One door opened another and I am grateful that I didn’t hold myself back. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and if I could talk to my 17-year-old self, I would tell her that there is never failure, always learning. And there is growth to come from your setbacks in life.”
Newry and Portadown students saw a number of sporting successes, with students Jamie Gray and Eugene White both coming top of their weight classes in the All-Ireland Under 18 Colleges Boxing Championships; Newry student Ellen McCartney representing the NI Ladies Under 17s Soccer Team at the European Qualifiers in Turkey; and Portadown student Noah Legge who was part of SRC’s winning volleyball team who lifted the Schools Cup.
Also picking up awards included Media student Steven Doran from Banbridge. Steven was nominated for the inclusivity award having increased inclusion within the student population, and in particular with one classmate who has physical limitations and some communication difficulties. Steven spends time with this classmate and the classmate’s support assistance during break and lunch to ensure he is fully included in student life, ensuring a positive college experience for all. Lecturer Marianne McGee also commented that Steven brings the class together ‘with his friendly and approachable nature’.
Fellow Armagh student, Conor Nugent picked up a student recognition award following his recent success winning The Montgomery Award for Excellence in Wall and Floor Tiling. In winning the Montgomery Award, Conor had to complete a stretch (speed) test and then create a large thistle motif in cut tile to precise measurements on one wall and to craft circular work and tile niche with a border on the adjacent wall. Conor is currently undertaking the Wall and Floor Tiling level 3 apprenticeship and is employed by Leo Duffy Tiling.
In his closing comments, Dr Thomas Moore, Chairman of the Governing Body at Southern Regional College commented “May I wish each of you every success in your future studies. Continue to believe in yourself. You are more talented and capable than you will ever know.”
