The UHI Orkney Student of the Year 2024 is shared jointly between Richard Booth and Callie Sandison.

The awards recognise exceptional achievements, including academic, personal resilience and outstanding contributions to their peers and communities. Winners from each partner go forward to be considered for the ‘Overall UHI Student of the Year’ award. 

 Richard Booth, BSc (Hons) Computing

Richard Booth was named joint Student of the Year at UHI Orkney for his academic excellence, dedication, creativity and his commitment to helping others. 

Excelling across multiple disciplines during his HNC and HND Computing, Richard consistently exceeded expectations.  His ability to master both the theoretical and practical aspects demonstrated his deep understanding and passion for the subject.

Richard has a collaborative spirit and was always eager to share his knowledge and assist others. His proactive approach to problem-solving and peer mentorship enriched the learning environment at UHI Orkney. 

“I was genuinely surprised and feel honoured to receive the joint Student of the Year award. It’s been a pleasure to pursue this course, and any success I’ve achieved is thanks to the unwavering support and guidance of the computer science department staff – and, of course, the excellent coffee from the canteen.”– Richard Booth

 Callie Sandison, NQ Childhood Practice

Callie Sandison was named UHI Orkney Student of the Year for her commitment to achievement, perseverance, for inspiring and supporting her peers.

She started her journey with UHI Orkney with the Skills for Work: Early Learning and Childcare course. She returned to study on the National Qualification in Childhood Practice following major surgery, demonstrating real courage, adaptability and resilience. Callie balanced her recovery, studies, and placement, producing high-quality work and contributing meaningfully to class. 

Reflecting on her goals, she is now studying for an HNC in Social Services. Her journey is a testament to her strength of character and she is an excellent example of what it means to persevere, grow and contribute positively.

 “It was an honour to receive this award. It was a huge encouragement to me after what had been a tough year. Coming to college after major surgery was a big thought for me but my lecturers at UHI Orkney made the course very adaptable, and I could study from home if that’s what I needed. I don’t think I would have been able to complete the course if it had not been from the support and adaptability of my lecturers.” – Callie Sandison 

The list of Student of the Year:

• UHI Centre for Rural Health Sciences and UHI Overall Student of the Year – Lou Hyett-Collins, BSc Adult Nursing
• UHI Argyll HE Student of the Year – Megan Ingham, HNC Childhood Practice
• UHI Directly Enrolled Student of the Year (joint winners) Alexander Ryland, MLitt History, and Harley Botham, MLitt Viking Studies
• UHI Inverness Student of the Year – Javier Munoz Moreno, NQ Computing with Esports
• UHI Moray Student of the Year – Shaqayeq Nejah, HNC Applied Science
• UHI North, West and Hebrides – Lola Gyenes, BA (Hons) Sustainable Development
• UHI Orkney Student of the Year (joint winners)  Richard Booth, BSc (Hons) Computing, and Callie Sandison, NQ Childhood Practice
• UHI Perth Student of the Year – Erica Lo Presti, BEng (Hons) Aircraft Engineering
• SAMS Student of the Year – Nele Thomsen, BSc Marine Science
• Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Student of the Year – Ruairidh Kelly, BA (Hons) Gaelic and Traditional Music
• UHI Shetland Student of the Year – Keith Massey, BA (Hons) Fine Art