Education / Naomi named UHI Shetland’s student of the year
UHI SHETLAND has announced Naomi Robertson as its 2025 student of the year, praising her “exceptional growth, leadership and dedication to learning” over the past seven years.
Roberston has been a student at UHI Shetland since 2018, beginning her learning journey on the skills for work early years/childcare programme.
Since then, she has progressed through the forward directions course, a collaborative initiative between the Eric Gray service and UHI Shetland, completing the enterprise and employability group awards at SCQF Level 4 this year.
Her nomination was made unanimously by her teaching team.
Head of creative communities Dr Simon Clarke said: “Naomi is a fantastically enthusiastic member of the group who brings energy, humour and creativity to everything she does.
“She has become a confident and capable young woman who drives forward group tasks and uplifts those around her.”
UHI Shetland said over the years Roberston has developed into a “natural leader and role model”, often acting as spokesperson for her classmates.
The college also praised her wider contributions, highlighting how she recently passed her driving test, holds part-time paid employment, and is preparing to progress to Project Search next year.
She is also a committed member of the Army Cadets, volunteers in the community, and plays football with Ability Shetland.
Dr Clarke added: “She is kind, helpful and an outstanding example of what dedication and resilience can achieve.
“Naomi has overcome significant learning challenges, but has never let these limit her. She embraces every opportunity and has become a voice for others as well as a success in her own right. We are incredibly proud of her.”
UHI Shetland said it would also like to acknowledge this year’s outstanding nominees from across the curriculum areas:
- Finley Alexander Forwood (Marine Sciences, SVQ3 Aquaculture – Modern Apprentice)
- Asha Cape (Health, Care and Society, NQ Childhood Practice SCQF6)
- Joe Johnson (Technology, Maritime and Built Environment, Carpentry and Joinery SCQF6)
- Bonnie Forrest (Creative Industries, MA Art and Social Practice)
Principal and CEO of UHI Shetland Professor Jane Lewis said: “Congratulations to our student of the year Naomi and all of the other exceptional nominees.
“All the students have demonstrated throughout their time at UHI Shetland our values of respect, collaboration, openness and excellence.”
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