UHI Shetland celebrates Student of the Year 2025

UHI Shetland is proud to announce Naomi Robertson as its 2025 Student of the Year, recognising her exceptional growth, leadership and dedication to learning over the past seven years.

Naomi 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, this year completing the Enterprise and Employability group awards at SCQF Level 4.

Her nomination was made unanimously by her teaching team, who praised her not only for her academic commitment, but also her invaluable contributions to the class community.

“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.” Dr Simon Clarke, Head of Creative Communities noted.

Over the years, Naomi has developed into a natural leader and role model, often acting as spokesperson for her classmates and confidently engaging with college board members to represent her cohort’s views on student needs and aspirations.

Her progress has been matched by growing self-reliance and reflection. She has built her core skills with focus and determination, while also encouraging and supporting peers through challenges — always ready with a kind word or helping hand.

Naomi’s wider contributions are equally inspiring. She has 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 with Ability Shetland Football.

“She is kind, helpful and an outstanding example of what dedication and resilience can achieve,” said Simon Clarke. “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.”

Recognising Excellence Across UHI Shetland

UHI Shetland would also like to acknowledge this year’s outstanding nominees from across the curriculum areas:

• Finley Alexander Forwood (Marine Sciences, SVQ3 Aquaculture – Modern Apprentice)
  Recognised for outstanding academic and practical achievement while working full-time in a high-pressure commercial hatchery, Finley has been praised for his resilience, professionalism and commitment to continuous learning.
• Asha Cape (Health, Care and Society, NQ Childhood Practice SCQF6)
  Celebrated for her remarkable personal and academic transformation, Asha has emerged as a confident and reflective early years practitioner now progressing through a Modern Apprenticeship with Shetland Islands Council.
• Joe Johnson (Technology, Maritime and Built Environment, Carpentry and Joinery SCQF6)
  Respected for his practical excellence and quiet leadership, Joe has become a key presence in his class and workplace. His methodical thinking, support of others, and professionalism have made a lasting impression.
• Bonnie Forrest (Creative Industries, MA Art and Social Practice)
  Nominated for her distinction-level academic work and deeply ethical, socially engaged arts practice. Bonnie’s work with patients in a psychiatric hospital and her leadership among peers have shown creativity, courage and humanity of the highest standard.

UHI Shetland congratulates all nominees for their inspiring achievements and contributions to student life, learning and the wider community.

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.”