Time to Shine 2025 winners announced

December 15, 2025

As we count down to the festive break, we’re shining a light on members of the NESCol community who have had a positive impact on the lives of others.

The annual Time to Shine Awards are a highlight of NESCol’s Sparkle Winter Festival and celebrate the exceptional contributions of our staff and students.

Across all campuses, nominations came flooding in, showcasing the inspiring work and dedication within the College community. A record-breaking number of 93 nominations were received this year – 67 for staff and 26 for students.

Due to the volume and calibre of nominations, the judging panel selected two overall winners and four highly commended award recipients.

We are delighted to share and celebrate the achievements of our 2025 winners and highly commended awardees!

David Larkin – Winner
Access to Allied Health Professions (SWAP) student (Aberdeen City Campus)

David received multiple nominations that praised how much he goes above and beyond for his classmates. A truly caring individual, he is dedicated to helping his classmates succeed, all while managing his own College workload.

Described as the ‘class PA’ and ‘sunshine in human form’, examples of how David supports the class range from sharing useful study resources and making sure his classmates are on top of deadlines to being a shoulder to cry on for those who need it.

One nomination said: “He has been a huge part of my experience, never letting me give up and constantly supporting me.”

David said, “I’m genuinely so surprised and grateful that people have gone out of their way to nominate me. It’s so great to have been selected as the winner amongst other nominations, and I’m so appreciative of all the lovely things people have said about me.”

Fiona Singer – Winner
Catering Manager (Fraserburgh Campus)

Fiona also received multiple nominations that highlighted the exemplary service she provides and her outstanding contributions to the NESCol community.

She was described as a ‘beacon of practical compassion’, championing dignity and wellbeing through food. Her work extends beyond meals – creating welcoming spaces, accommodating diverse dietary needs and thoughtfully considering the experience of everyone across the campus, including staff, students, contractors and visitors.

One nomination said, “She collaborates generously across teams and community partners, ensuring events are inclusive and that catering supports learning, celebration, and belonging.”

Fiona said, “I am honoured to have been nominated by so many people for this award and even more surprised to be the winner. I am overwhelmed by all the lovely comments. It really does mean a lot – but it is a team effort!”

Edai Huntley – Highly Commended
Qualification for Work student (Aberdeen City Campus)

Edai was nominated for being a ‘wonderful role model’ and inspiring influence within the College community. Edai plays a key role as a Class Representative, ensuring the voices of their peers are heard, and has an excellent attitude towards their studies, with a genuine commitment to do their best.

A nomination said, “They consistently demonstrate enthusiasm and engagement in every lesson, contributing to a positive and supportive learning environment for all.”

Edai said, “I am delighted to have this recognition and feel very grateful for the fantastic support that my teachers have given me. I’d particularly like to thank Broghan Brake for her encouragement and reassurance in all my College endeavours.

“I continue to feel excited about coming to College and look forward to learning more and making a difference.”

Weronika Kozlowska – Highly Commended
NC Electrical Engineering student (Aberdeen Altens Campus)

Weronika was put forward for her courage and outstanding leadership skills during an exceptionally challenging time.

She has remained committed to her studies, excelling academically, while also securing an Executive Officer position in the Students’ Association and serving as a Class Representative, where she advocates on behalf of her peers.

One nomination said, “Her strength, resilience, and dedication to both her studies and the wider student community make her truly deserving of recognition.”

Weronika said, “I faced a traumatic experience in October, which left me injured, but I didn’t want to break down or get stuck in a loop, so I kept coming to College and doing my assessments.

“I didn’t think I was doing well until I was nominated for this award – I’m honestly really surprised.

“The whole point of being part of the Students’ Association is to try and help people and to show that the College is there to support you. As they say, it takes a village, and at the College, everyone has helped me in some way or form.

“I’m really happy to receive this recognition, and I am so proud of myself and my hard work.”

Cassie Amos – Highly Commended
Lecturer in Childcare  (Aberdeen City Campus)

Cassie was nominated for her ‘can-do’ attitude and the huge impact she has had on the Care department. From improving learning and staff spaces to implementing innovative digital tools, she consistently goes the extra mile for others.

One nomination said, “Cassie has a talent for making everyone – staff and students – feel cared for and supported.”

Cassie said, “I am so surprised to be nominated. I have to admit I did have a wee cry when I read the email. It might surprise the nominators that I am pretty speechless with this honour.

“I love working as part of the Childcare and Healthcare teams; both have been so wonderful and friendly to me since I started last September with Protocol. I feel so much pride in contributing to an environment that fosters education, inclusion, and professional growth. Thank you so very much for the nominations.”

Kevin Laing – Highly Commended
Technician (Multimedia) (Aberdeen City Campus)

Kevin was recognised for his dedication and unwavering support to the College community, going above and beyond for curriculum teams with his involvement in shows and events and being a positive role model for students.

A nomination said, “His support is not only practical and reliable, but deeply rooted in a genuine commitment to student experience and success.”

Kevin said, “I’m usually the guy hiding in the wings making sure the lights work, aiming for ‘invisible but useful,’ so being noticed feels strange… but in a good way.

“Thanks to everyone who thought of me – really appreciate it!”

A huge well done to all our 2025 winners and highly commended recipients!