MORE than 300 students and guests assembled in the spectacular setting of the Argyllshire Gathering Halls, Oban, for Argyll College UHI’s annual graduation ceremony.

Principal Martin Jones, along with vice principal Gary Campbell, college chairman Andrew Campbell and academic staff, welcomed the students and their guests and were led into the ceremony by Oban piper Emma Hill.

Guest speaker at the event was David Duke MBE, the founder and chief executive of Street Soccer Scotland, which is a non-profit social enterprise that uses football to help create positive change in the lives of socially disadvantaged adults and young people.

He is also Global Ambassador for the Homeless World Cup organisation.

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More recently, David set up Change Centre Scotland, a social enterprise whose vision is aimed at tackling homelessness by a creating personal development and self management centres. He was awarded an MBE in the 2018 New Year’s Honours List.

David gave an inspirational address, recounting his own journey and the importance of his college education – an HNC in community work – in part, for helping him turn his life around.

Ten Helensburgh students attended, and local student Laura Hogg gave an entertaining account of “the student experience”.

Laura began studying with Argyll College in 2017 and completed an NC in Early Education and Childcare before progressing to complete her HNC Childhood Practice this year. Laura was also elected as vice president of Highlands and Islands Student Association for Argyll in 2018.

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The Schools Link Student of the Year 2019 went to former Hermitage Academy student Holly Ellwood. The award is contested by the Schools Link Winners from each of the college’s 10 learning centres.

Holly achieved National 4 and National 5 awards in Childcare with Argyll College as part of the college’s schools link programme.

She was nominated for the award by her tutor Otiliya Lennox, who said: "When Holly stared out she had no idea what she wanted to do or achieve in life. She was not too keen on school subjects.

"She proved to be an exemplary student who produced a high standard of assessments and independent work.’’

Argyll College UHI has also recently been shortlisted in the national College Development Network Awards for Innovation and Digital Learning.

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