Rhea and Tegan are Students of the Year

Every year Shetland College UHI recognises the achievements of two students who have particularly stood out during their studies.

At our graduation and awards ceremonies in September Rhea Kay (BA Hons Contemporary Textiles) and Tegan Patterson (NC Early Education and Childcare) were announced as the Students of the Year. Rhea Kay has also been named the University of the Highlands and Islands Higher Education Student of the Year.

At Shetland College, staff and students are encouraged to submit nominations for those who have done particularly well academically or shown significant personal development. The applications were judged by Susan Berry, Acting Depute Principal; and Peter Campbell, Chair of the College Board.

Rhea Kay received the Shetland College HE Student of the Year award in recognition of her exceptional academic achievement, professional attitude and creativity.  Rhea has been attending Shetland College since she was in S3 at school and has steadily progressed in her chosen field over the years. For a more in depth look at the course and to hear what Rhea has to say about it with lecturer Faye Hackers take a look at our video.

Peter Campbell, Chair of Shetland College Board, Tegan Patterson, FE Student of the Year, Rhea Kay, HE Student of the Year and Willie Shannon, Principal at the Graduation Ceremony at Mareel in September

Rhea Kay was also named the University's Higher Education Student of the Year.

Contemporary textiles programme leader, Faye Hackers, commented:

“Rhea has been an excellent student - she is hard working, good in a team, has strong creative ideas and is focused on contemporary design trends.

“She’s been recognised in national competitions, secured placements with commercial companies and represented the university at the New Designers Graduate Fair in London.

“She is also a great example of progression within the college, showing the opportunities available in Shetland, having come through our vocational programme while still at school, progressing onto our NC art and design course then graduating with a first-class honours degree.”

Tegan Patterson, Shetland College's Further Education Student of the Year is a valued member of the Highlands and Islands Student Association (HISA) making a huge contribution as a class representative and representing Shetland at events on the mainland. Tegan is continuing her studies at Shetland College having just started the HNC Child Care and Practice course and has been elected as a HISA local officer. 

Both students were very positive and motivated about their experience at the college and said that they had not only developed academically but also personally through their time at college.