Marcia and Molly are students of the year

Shetland College has named its two students of the year who have been recognised as showing a particular drive to succeed.

Marcia Galvin has been named higher education student of the year, while Molly Peterkin-Tracey is the further education student recognised.

Ms Peterkin-Tracey has been studying Access to Apply for Nursing, with her tutors noting that she is a diligent and popular member of her class.

She has consistently provided coursework to a high standard and provided support to her fellow students.

Ms Peterkin-Tracey was one of the students selected to undertake a work placement in Voss, Norway, earlier this year – which was so successful she was offered a job.

She was thrilled to be named FE student of the year, describing it a great way to end a fantastic year.

She said: “I have been privileged to have so many opportunities thanks to Shetland College. It’s been a learning experience where I have made new friends and memories that I will treasure. Thank you to everyone, but especially to my fellow students, all the best for the future.”

Ms Galvin has been studying BA (Hons) Contemporary Textiles part-time for three years. She has balanced her studies with the demands of being a single mother, this year facing additional challenges in particular.

The Cultural and Creative Industries department described her as a hardworking and enthusiastic student with a real flair for textile design reflected in her body of work. This year Ms Galvin also served as Shetland College’s first Highlands and Islands Students Association (Hisa) depute president, representing the views of the student body on a local and regional basis.

Ms Galvin said she was “absolutely delighted” to receive the award.

She added: “Returning to study as a mature student has been a very positive experience for me and I’m very much enjoying my time at Shetland College and engaging in student life.”

Ms Galvin will now go forward for consideration as the University of the Highlands and Islands overall student of the year.

Acting college principal Irene Peterson said: “The calibre of our FE and HE student of the year nominees this year was outstanding, making the overall selection process by the panel additionally challenging.

“All the nominees presented extremely well at interview, sharing their experiences of their individual learning journeys at Shetland College UHI.

“I would like to congratulate all our nominees on being selected for consideration as FE or HE student of the year, including our two overall winners, and wish them all the best in their future careers or further study.”

College board chairman Peter Campbell said: “Both Molly and Marcia are to be congratulated on their achievements and we wish Molly every success in her chosen career of nursing.

“We wish Marcia well as she continues her studies on the textiles degree course, and are confident that she will continue to contribute to the student voice at Shetland College UHI.”