OCN NI ANNOUNCES 2023 AWARDS SHORTLIST
26/05/2023
OPEN COLLEGE NETWORK (OCN), NI’s leading professional and technical awarding body has revealed the shortlist for its fifth Learning Endeavour Awards, which will take place at the iconic Titanic Belfast on June 26th.
The awards shortlist includes nominees from all over Northern Ireland and covers eight categories: Third Sector Learner of the Year, Further Education Learner of the Year, Health and Wellbeing Learner of the Year, Schools Learner of the Year, Advancing Learning Through Innovation, Essential Skills Learner of the Year, Provider of the Year and Inspiring Tutor/Teacher of the Year.
This year has seen OCN’s best ever entry response since the awards were introduced five years ago, explained Martin Flynn, Chief Executive of OCN NI: “Judging was a little more complex this year due to the sheer volume and quality of nominations but we are very happy to reveal the shortlist for the 2023 Learning Endeavour Awards.
“The shortlisted learners and organisations reflect the best of Northern Ireland and are shining examples of what hard work and determination can achieve. We can’t wait to reward those who have been highly commended and the winners at our in person event next month.”
OCN NI has also just announced who their special guests will be at this year’s event.
Martin said: “This year, Adam Keefe, Belfast Giants Head Coach, plus members of the Belfast Giants coaching and management team, will attend as our special guests and will answer questions on stage about their incredible local success following their Challenge Cup and historic treble win earlier this year.
“The purpose of the Q&A is to provide an insight and highlight similarities/lessons on how in to how high-performing teams and striving for success in ice hockey can be applied to general life for young people/adults trying to achieve their own personal goals.”
Adam will also present OCN NI bursary prizes for award winners and highly commended entrants to ensure that people are financially supported on their education journey and able to explore new and exciting pathways. Adam will also present the overall Hilary Sloan MBE Learning Endeavour Award chosen from one of our category winners.
Adam Keefe, Belfast Giants Head Coach, said: “It’s a great honour to be asked to attend the OCN Learning Endeavour Awards and I’m looking forward to hearing first hand from some pretty inspiring people who have succeeded in their categories. There is no substitution for working hard so I will be clapping loudly for everyone who is honoured at the OCN NI Learning Endeavour Awards.”
The shortlists for the Learning Endeavour Awards 2023 are as follows.
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Further Education Learner of the Year · Adrian Boyd, North West Regional College, Co Tyrone · Adrian Stott, South Eastern Regional College, Co Down · Ashleigh Mulholland, Northern Regional College, Co Antrim · Catherine Cameron, Northern Regional College, Co Derry~Londonderry · Diana Sarmento Almeida, South West College, Co Tyrone · Kyla Skelton, Northern Regional College, Co Antrim |
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Third Sector Learner of the Year · Ayanle Adam Hassan, Start360, Co Antrim · Jack Smyth, YouthAction NI, Co Antrim · Michael Fox Mulligan, Poleglass Community Association @ Sally Gardens, Co Antrim · Rahwa Yemane Ghebremeskel, Start360, Co Antrim · Robert Kinkead, The Advantage Foundation, Co Antrim · Trevor McDowell, Orchardville Society, Co Down |
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Schools Learner of the Year · Anabela Vodenichorova, St Catherine’s College Armagh, Co Armagh · Clea Todd, Malone Integrated College, Antrim · Johanna McStravick, St Louise's College, Co Antrim · Niamh Patton, St Mary's High School Limavady, Co Derry~Londonderry · Saoirse Parke, St Patrick's College, Co Derry~Londonderry · Victoria Mafundirwa, Dominican College Portstewart, Co Derry~Londonderry |
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Health & Well-being Learner of the Year · Brandon Magee, Education Authority Youth Service, Co Derry~Londonderry · Eireann McKenna, Poleglass Community Association @ Sally Gardens, Co Antrim · Fatma Abdinar, Start360, Co Antrim · Rachel Murphy, AMH - New Horizons Ards and North Down, Co Down · Rahwa Yemane Ghebremeskel, Start360 , Co Antrim · Shauna Christie, Action Mental Health, Co Antrim |
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Inspiring Tutor/Teacher of the Year · Anna McBride, Malone Integrated College, Co Antrim · Janet Crawford, Cookstown High School, Co Tyrone · Kiera O'Kane, Northern Regional College, Co Antrim · Lizzie Buick, South Eastern Regional College, Co Down · Michelle McCartan, Clanrye Group, Co Armagh · Sarah Simms, WOMEN'STEC, Co Antrim |
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Essential Skills Learner of the Year · Coco Egan, SERC, Co Down · Fatma Abdinar, Start360, Co Antrim · Jack Mateer, Bryson Energy (formerly Bryson Future Skills), Co Antrim · Maeve Kealey, St Patrick's College, Co Derry~Londonderry · Natasha Patton Nelson, People1st, Antrim · Zarema Ramazanova-Lynnyk, South West College Omagh, Co Tyrone |
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Advancing Learning Through Innovation · Belfast Met Supported Learning Centre, Co Antrim · Irish Football Association, Co Antrim · Nerve Centre, Co Derry~Londonderry · Northern Regional College, Co Derry~Londonderry · NWRC, Derry~Londonderry · South Eastern Regional College, Co Down · Youth Action NI, Co Antrim |
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Provider of the Year · Access Employment Limited, Co Antrim · Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum, Co Derry~Londonderry · LifeDock, Co Antrim · NOW Group, Co Antrim · Orchardville Society, Co Antrim · South Eastern Regional College, Co Down |