Southern Regional College (SRC) held its annual Celebration of Success award ceremony on Thursday 25th June 2026 at Canal Court Hotel, Newry, recognising the many achievements of its students across the academic year.
Over sixty awards were presented at the ceremony. This included Student of the Year awards across the College’s four faculties, four Rising Star awards, forty-one Student Recognition Awards, presentation of Medals of Excellence to students successful at WorldSkills competitions, four Employer Choice Awards, and the ever-popular student choice awards. These were the ‘Most Inspirational Classmate’ and ‘Best Team Player’.
Winning the ‘Most Inspirational Classmate’ award was adult returner student Daniel Nugent from Kilkeel. Daniel was commended for his enthusiasm towards work and his willingness to help classmates overcome challenges or by sharing his knowledge and experience.
‘Best Team Player’ was fellow adult returner student Cormac Hughes from Mullaghbawn who organised study sessions and provided ongoing support to his fellow students.
For the first time ever, the College presented a very special award, the ‘Terry Keenan Award for Commitment and Excellence in Early Years Practice’. A past SRC lecturer and first Coordinator of the Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies,, the award honours the memory and legacy of Terry Keenan and was presented SRC Early Years staff members Bernadette McMahon and Barbara Rooney in the presence of Terry’s family to student Lily Corry. Lily is an Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) student at SRC, beginning her journey with a level 2 Childcare programme and progressing throughout education levels to achieve an honours degree in Early Childhood Studies.
Employer Choice Awards were presented to those students who have impressed their employers through their commitment and dedication to their job roles. Securing this award at Level 2 was carpentry and joinery apprentice Philip Hamilton from Kilkeel, employed by J and N Joinery. Also successful at Level 2 was carpentry and joinery apprentice Bradley Douglas, employed with David Jameson Roofing Services Ltd. Level 3 students receiving the Employers Choice Awards were Brett Kidd, a Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles with Prentice BMW Portadown and Ross Smyth, a Professional Cookery apprentice with the Downshire Arms Restaurant & Bar.
Mrs Lee Campbell, Principal & Chief Executive of Southern Regional College commented:
“Tonight’s awards ceremony highlights the exceptional success and commitment of our students. Across all our campuses students have shown what is possible when ambition meets opportunity and when learning is matched by determination. Students who have overcome challenges, discovered passions, pushed boundaries and exceeded expectations. While we celebrate their success, we also look towards their future. Whether moving onto further study, employment, or new adventures, we hope that all our students are inspired - not just by their own achievements, but by the achievements of their peers. We congratulate all students who won awards and look forward to seeing what they will achieve”.
