A DEDICATED student from Tullibody was among the winners at a prestigious national education and training awards ceremony. 

Shannon Whyte, who attends Forth Valley College, won the Lifelong Learning Candidate of the Year award at the 2015 Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) Star Awards, which took place last Friday.

The SQA awards reward those who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to learning and also recognise the contribution made by schools, colleges and training organisations across Scotland.

Despite numerous challenges that she has faced, Shannon has gone from strength to strength, achieving a host of SQA qualifications in the year that she has been attending college.

She has successfully applied for the National Certificate Access to Health Care and Sport course at Forth Valley College and has aspirations to become a teacher.

The awards ceremony was held at the Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, and was hosted by BBC Radio Scotland presenter and media personality Kaye Adams. 

The SQA Star Awards are unique, recognising both the individuals who work towards and the organisations and professionals that deliver SQA qualifications; rewarding those that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to learning.

This year has marked the 25th anniversary of Scottish Vocational Qualifications and the contribution they have made to education and training across the country.

SQA chief executive Dr Janet Brown said: “The SQA Star awards are our opportunity to recognise the fantastic achievements in education and training, not just in Scotland, but increasingly around the world.

“The Star Awards ceremony gives us a chance to congratulate in person the outstanding candidates and centres working towards and delivering our qualifications.

"This year’s winners are no exception. Their success stories are inspirational and I congratulate each and every one of them.”