Adam Smith College student Donna Millar was the toast of the College recently after scooping both the Personal Achievement Award and Learner of the Year Award at the 14th Fife Adult Learners’ Awards ceremony.
Councillor David Alexander, Donna Millar and Jennifer Good, Working For Families Development Worker who nominated Donna.
Donna wasn’t the only winner, however, as Adam Smith College students and staff scooped five of the nine awards up for grabs.
The Fife Adult Learners’ Awards is a celebration of learning and the achievement of learners. The Awards recognise the challenges and barriers overcome by adults from agencies and learning centres throughout Fife who have found time in their lives for learning.
Each learner is nominated by someone who was impressed by their achievements and is keen that they are recognised for how well they have done in their chosen field.
Having swept the board with five awards, seven certificate awards and two group awards, staff and students from Adam Smith College had plenty to celebrate.
Donna, (36), from Methil, a Step Up to Care student at the College, won the Personal Achievement Award and was also crowned Learner of the Year. She said: “Since going back into learning I have been on a huge journey, breaking my old habits and becoming much more confident.
“I have been really encouraged throughout my time at Adam Smith College and have achieved some great qualifications. I can’t wait to start my full-time NC Pre Access to Nursing and Care course after the summer. I am so much happier now and have a much brighter future to look forward to.”
Carol Humbert, Chair of the Fife Adult Learning Partnership and Director of Community Development at Adam Smith College, said: “The Fife Adult Learners’ Awards showcases a range of unique and personal journeys which often produces life-changing results.
“Learning something new is not just interesting and stimulating; it’s also challenging. It tests your ability to keep going when things are tough, it requires you to concentrate when there are lots of distractions around you and, for some, it will have meant overcoming a number of personal hurdles.
“We are very proud of our winners from Adam Smith College and they have become role models for their family, friends and communities who can encourage and support others towards the same kind of steps they have taken.”
Award Winners
Workplace Learner Award – Richard Cook (24), from Leven, studying SVQ Level 3 IT Users
Young Learner Award – Jordon Petrie (17), from Glenrothes, studying Flexible IT and Stepping Stones
Community Award – Barry Clark (32), from Methil, studying HNC Working with Communities
Award Certificate Winners
Personal Achievement Award
Dorothy Fleming (42), from Methil, studying SVQ Level 3 IT Users
Lorna Martin (43), from Methil, studying SVQ Level 2 IT Users
Catherine Grant (48), from Buckhaven, studying SVQ Level 2 IT Users
Phyllis Kennedy (52), from Methil, studying Flexible Information Technology
Una Wilson (49), from Methil, studying Flexible Information Technology
Workplace Learner
Mature Learner Award
Group Awards