STUDENTS CELEBRATE ACHIEVEMENTS AT AWARDS CEREMONY

Food and Hospitality students at Edinburgh’s Telford College had their hard work recognised at their end of term awards ceremony this week.

Awards were presented to students on both the Pathways and Food and Hospitality courses, with 24-year-old student Maria Stirling from Pilton, Edinburgh receiving a special ‘Student of the Year’ award for her achievements.

Maria, who has learning difficulties, first came to Telford aged 17, where she completed a variety of Pathways Hospitality programmes, before progressing onto the New Opportunities in Catering Programme and completing SVQs in Food Preparation and Cookery, and Counter Service of Food and Drink. Maria, who received a digital camera as well as her award, said: “I have really enjoyed my time at Telford. I love cooking and the staff are great. Telford has really helped me a lot. I still can’t believe I’m Student of the Year!”

Maria now hopes to pursue a career in the catering industry. Maria’s lecturer Denise Paterson said: “Throughout her time at Telford, Maria has matured into a delightful young woman who is determined to succeed. She is always keen to learn and offers helps to others when she can. Receiving this award is a great achievement for her and she is an inspiration to other students studying Pathways courses at Telford.”