Graduation ceremonies held at FVC’s Falkirk Campus

Forth Valley College’s Falkirk Campus hosted three successful graduation events on Friday 9 October.

Around 700 students were eligible to graduate this year from Forth Valley College and 230 of them chose to collect their certificates at the ceremonies, which were held at the College’s headquarters for the fourth time.

Guest speaker at the morning ceremony (Creative, Digital and Leisure Industries) from 10-11.15am was Colonel Charles Wallace Lord Lieutenant of Stirling and Falkirk, while at the 1pm-2.15pm event (Care, Sport, Business and Communities) Paul Devoy Interim Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council gave the keynote speech, and at the final ceremony from 4pm-5.15pm (STEM and Construction) David Macdonald Regional Director of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) Scotland, spoke to the assembled graduates and guests.

Forth Valley Board of Management members Emma MacGregor (morning), Suzanne Reynolds (lunchtime) and Philip Harris (afternoon) gave the Vote of Thanks at their respective ceremonies.

The Alloa Bowmar Pipe Band were on hand to lead in the top tables and stage parties at all three ceremonies.

Prizewinners throughout the day were: Edyta Muiselak (38) from Stirling who won Most Promising Student for Creative, Digital & Leisure Industries (sponsored by Vass Media); Harry Prentice (31) from Carluke who collected Most Inspirational Student for Creative, Digital & Leisure Industries (sponsored by Central FM); Rachael Bell (24) from Camelon who was presented with Most Promising Student for Care, Sports, Business & Communities (sponsored by Rotary Club of Falkirk); Lindsay Henderson-Miller (39) from Cowie who scooped Most Inspirational Student for Care, Sports, Business & Communities (sponsored by Drummond Laurie Chartered Accountants); Keyon Ho (20) from Falkirk who won Most Promising Student for STEM & Construction (sponsored by OCS); and Lee Cooper (47) from Galashiels who landed the Most Inspirational Student for STEM & Construction award (sponsored by McLaughlin & Harvey).

Rachael Bell (24) from Camelon, who completed a HND Business, said: “I feel really proud of myself knowing the hard work I’ve put into my studies at Forth Valley College has been recognised. I took a leap returning to education to pursue my dream career, while I already felt it was the right decision, winning this award has really confirmed that for me. It’s a lovely feeling to know that my efforts have been noticed and appreciated, and I’m really grateful to receive this award.”

Lindsay Henderson-Miller (39) from Cowie, who graduated with a HNC Healthcare Practice, said: “I feel incredibly emotional and honoured to receive this award, and it means so much to feel valued and recognised. I’m so proud of how far I’ve come and grateful that my hard work has been noticed. I couldn’t have done it without all the amazing support and encouragement I’ve received along the way.”

Keyon Ho (20) from Falkirk, who completed a HNC Architectural Technology with Digital Construction, said: “I am extremely honoured to be receiving such an award and proud of the work I have done to achieve it, I kept a high standard of work this year and aimed for no less than an A grade. I took a lot of pride in my work this year made sure my time in the Forth Valley College Campus was productive. A lot of the time while at College, I spent my breaks and lunches working on projects and researching. I always made sure what I was researching would benefit my grade and my knowledge, this helped me maintain a good work life balance, where time out of College I could spend doing other things I enjoy. Winning such an award and getting the grade I hoped for, motivates me to continue the standard of work I learned at Forth Valley College in my further education.”

Lee Cooper (47) from Galashiels, who graduated with a HND Applied Biological Sciences, said: “I am honoured and humbled to have even been considered for this award. All my achievements would not have been possible had it not been for the tireless efforts and unwavering commitment of all the staff at Forth Valley College. I am particularly grateful to all the lecturers and technicians who make up the science department for their kindness and understanding as well as their academic expertise, without which, I could not have achieved my goals.”

Harry Prentice (31) from Carluke, who completed a HND Professional Cookery with Management, said: “I feel incredibly proud and humbled to have won this award. Forth Valley College has supported me as an individual, recognising that everyone is different and helping me bring out the best in myself. I’ve always felt that the College genuinely invests in its students, and I’m extremely grateful to everyone who has supported me and given me the opportunity to thrive.”

Edyta Muiselak (38) from Stirling, who graduated with a HND Make-up Artistry, said: “Winning this award makes me feel proud and grateful. It reflects the support I have received from my tutors and those close to me. It also motivates me to keep developing my skills in film, television and theatre make-up and to aim high in my future career.”

Forth Valley College Principal Kenny MacInnes, said: “All our prize winners this year have also excelled in their course and thoroughly deserve this recognition. Forth Valley College is very proud of their efforts and I personally would like to congratulate them for their hard work, which will no doubt inspire students of the future.

“We wish them all well as they embark upon their new careers or continued study. They have without a doubt been a credit to themselves and to the College. We are sure they will go on to have successful careers in whatever they choose to do.”

Photographs on the day were taken by Agnieszka Swierzko, Vasylyna Ozhha and Andreanna Taylor from HND Photography.