A graduate from Coalsnaughton - who scooped Forth Valley College’s 2017 Student of the Year prize – triumphed over shyness and a lack of confidence to become an accomplished hospitality professional.
Marcus Rawding (21) has certainly come a long way since starting his SVQ Level 2 course in 2013 - a full six months later than originally intended as it was felt he did not have the confidence to begin life at college!
At the graduation ceremony held at Stirling Castle on the evening of Thursday 5 October, Marcus - who graduated with a HND Hospitality Management - was presented with the top prize (sponsored by SQA) along with the Most Promising Student in the Department of Hospitality and Salon Services (sponsored by Nisbets Key Accounts).
Marcus, said: “I really did not expect this. It has come as a really great surprise, but it just goes to show how hard work pays off in the end. I believe there are loads of students worthy of the same recognition as me, but it is good to know that I have been picked for Student of the Year.
“My advice for new students would be to stick in at your studies. There will be some bits you enjoy and some bits not so much, but it really is worthwhile.”
A total of 900 students were eligible to graduate this year from Forth Valley College. More than 250 of them chose to collect their scrolls at events held at the Falkirk Town Hall and Stirling Castle (Thursday 5 October).
John McNally, Chief Operating Officer at INEOS Olefins and Polymers UK spoke at Falkirk Town Hall, while guest speaker at the Stirling Castle event was Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of Historic Environment Scotland.
Forth Valley College Principal Dr Ken Thomson said: “No one has epitomised the high standards that Forth Valley has come to expect of its students this year than Marcus Rawding. He thoroughly deserves his Student of the Year Award as he has stood out on many levels and his commitment and dedication to his studies has been absolutely fantastic. He is a credit to himself, his family and to the College and we know he will continue to excel in his career.”