Two Adam Smith College students were awarded £400 each through the John Kelly Scholarship at a special presentation held in the College’s St Brycedale Campus recently.
L – R: one of John Kelly’s former lecturers Jim Hynd pictured with Aarron Balfour, Jennifer Somerville and Gerry Kelly.
Aarron Balfour, 19, from Kirkcaldy, and Jennifer Somerville, 19, from Penicuik, were both presented with the scholarships, established in memory of former Consumer Management student, John Kelly, from Glenrothes and aimed at students who have succeeded in their courses despite adversity thanks to their hard work and commitment.
John studied at Fife College and was extremely popular with both staff and students. He is fondly remembered for his sense of humour, charm, courage and determination, despite battling serious heart problems right up until his death in July 2003, aged 19. His father, Gerry Kelly, attended the ceremony to present the two successful students with their awards.
HND Business student, Aarron, was thrilled to be told he would be receiving a cheque for £400. He said: “It is a real honour to be awarded the John Kelly Scholarship. My own family have always been supportive when it comes to my studies and this will help me further as I can now buy a laptop which will allow me to be more flexible in my learning.
“I’ve had a great experience at Adam Smith College. Even though it has been a struggle at times, the environment, students and lecturers have all helped and made it completely worthwhile and I plan to continue my studies here next year in BA Business Administration.”
Jennifer, who studies NC Administration, mirrored these sentiments and said: “It came as a complete surprise when I found out I was receiving this scholarship. It is a great honour and I am completely over-the-moon. The scholarship money will make a massive difference to me in my studies as it will allow me to purchase helpful equipment and software.
“My overall experience at the College has been fantastic; my family have been nothing but supportive, I have made friends, had fun and have been inspired. The tutors have encouraged and motivated me to move forward and I plan to study HNC Administration here next year.”
Beth Dickson, Assistant Principal at Adam Smith College, said: “This is a very special scholarship for our Foundation in memory of John. The scholarship is a partnership between some of the College staff who were close to John when he studied with us and his family and is awarded to students who, like John, have determination and passion for their studies, are extremely hard working and committed to all levels of their course work.
“We are very privileged to have a family like the Kellys who want to have a tangible long standing award which not only recognises the excellence and commitment of our current students like Aarron and Jennifer but also keeps John’s memory alive.”