East Renfrewshire pupils recognised with Convener’s Awards for Outstanding Achievement

Ninety young people attending East Renfrewshire secondary schools have been honoured for their fantastic achievements throughout the year.
Councillor Paul O'Kane was disappointed the awards ceremony couldn't go ahead as normal, but he was delighted to be able to recognise the achievements of so many hard-working and dedicated pupils in East Renfrewshire's schools.Councillor Paul O'Kane was disappointed the awards ceremony couldn't go ahead as normal, but he was delighted to be able to recognise the achievements of so many hard-working and dedicated pupils in East Renfrewshire's schools.
Councillor Paul O'Kane was disappointed the awards ceremony couldn't go ahead as normal, but he was delighted to be able to recognise the achievements of so many hard-working and dedicated pupils in East Renfrewshire's schools.

Pupils from all seven secondary schools across the authority and Isobel Mair School have been recognised with a Convener’s Award for Outstanding Achievement.

Nominations for individuals and/or groups to win an award are submitted by school teachers within a wide range of categories including Sports, Personal Achievement, Creativity and Advocacy, and the winners presented with a certificate and award.

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The annual event usually includes an evening awards ceremony at Carmichael Hall in Giffnock, but it was unable to go ahead this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Councillor Paul O’Kane, Convener for Education and Equalities, said: “The Convener’s Awards are always a highlight in my calendar each year, so it is disappointing the awards event was not able to go ahead this year. Needless to say I am absolutely delighted we are still able to recognise the excellent achievements of this group of young people who have been so committed to working hard and excelling this year. All of the winners should be incredibly proud of themselves, they are a credit to not only themselves but their families and their school.”

St Luke’s High pupil Charlie Gardiner received an Extra-Curricular award thanks to her contribution to a number of extra-curricular activities in and out with of school. Charlie is a Young Sports Ambassador at St Luke’s and also reached the final of BBC’s The Greatest Dancer with her dance group Dancepoint.

Martha McMahon, a St Ninian’s High pupil, produced and delivered a presentation on anaphylaxis to all year groups in the school. Martha was recognised with the Advocacy award for her hard work, raising the profile of what it means to live with anaphylaxis and shared tips on how to stop and treat severe allergic reactions.

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Ewan Miller, from Williamwood High, was recognised with a Creativity award due to his musical talents. In 2019, Ewan won the Junior Conservatoire Colin Currie Percussion competition and was invited to perform to Colin Currie at a masterclass. Ewan was also the instrumental winner of the Eastwood Rotary Young Musician of the Year 2019 award performing on xylophone and vibraphone.

Woodfarm High Charity Week Fundraising Group, worked together to raise £2558.84 for Islamic Relief. Fundraising efforts included a bake sale, a Pupils v Teacher quiz and Beat the Goalie. This is the largest amount raised by a state school in Scotland and the group have been awarded with a Community Service award.

Mhairi Shaw, East Renfrewshire Council’s Director of Education, said: “Well done to all of our incredible young people who have been recognised with a Convener’s Award for their exceptional achievements.

“We continue to strive to offer all of our pupils a vast array of opportunities across a range of disciplines and I am delighted we have been able to recognise the hard work of this group of pupils who are now well equipped to excel in the next stages of their lives beyond school.”

Full list of winners:

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• Barrhead High – Emma Casey (Sports), Tyler Vettraino (Community Service), Senior Gymnastics Coaches (Extra-Curricular)

• Eastwood High – Amelia Bain (Extra-Curricular), Torin Butler (Creativity), Leigh Edgar (Sports), Amy McVittie (Sports)

• Isobel Mair – Holly Brooks (Personal Achievement), Dylan MacKenzie (Creativity)

• Mearns Castle High – Danyaal Butt (Sports), Amy Cunningham (Sports), Margaret Kidd (Extra-Curricular), Crystelle Lake (Sports), Erin Wharton (Creativity), Modern Languages Ambassadors (Community Service)

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• St Luke’s High – Abbie Duncan (Community Service), Charlie Gardiner (Extra Curricular), Elle Wilson (Creativity)

• St Ninian’s High – Grace Holland (Advocacy), Sophia Laurie (Creativity), Martha McMahon (Advocacy), Luke Nelson (Extra-Curricular), Heather Spooner (Personal Achievement), Athletics Team (Sports), VEX Robotics Club (Creativity)

• Williamwood High – Louis Galasso (Sports), Struan Kingdom (Sports), Dylan Mateer (Personal Achievement), Ewan Miller (Creativity), Reuben Nairne (Sports), Mathematics Community Project Leaders (Community Service), Rowing Club Leaders (Extra-Curricular)

• Woodfarm High – Aftab Ghani (Advocacy), Georgia Gray (Sports), Nicola Johnston (Personal Achievement), Charity Week Fundraising Group (Community Service)

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