Fife students win scholarship cash award

Two Fife College students have received prestigious scholarships from local employer Diageo.
Leona Smith (19) and Aaron Draper (19)Leona Smith (19) and Aaron Draper (19)
Leona Smith (19) and Aaron Draper (19)

Leona Smith (19) and Aaron Draper (19), who both studied HNC Computer Aided Draughting (CAD) and Design at the College’s Glenrothes Campus, have each been awarded a £1,000 scholarship from the beverage alcohol firm.

Awarded through the college’s scholarship programme, the scholarships are used to buy resources or materials to help students.

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The scholarship, which is open to full-time students studying HNC/HND Mechanical Engineering, HNC Computer Aided Drafting and Design, HNC Manufacturing and HNC/HND Electrical Engineering, is now in its nineteenth year.

Leona is going on to study Product Design at the University of Strathclyde in September, while Aaron also plans to use his award to buy some new equipment to help with his studies.

Leona said: “Winning the scholarship felt amazing, knowing that it will give me the best start to university in September.

“After leaving school I wasn’t really sure which path to take, but after applying to college I soon found out I really enjoyed using technology to create and design products, I’m so excited that I decided to take my studies on further.”

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Leona, from Kirkcaldy, added: “I’m planning on putting the money towards a new computer and design software to help me in my future studies.”

Aaron, from Methil, said: “I was stunned, speechless and in disbelief when I received the email stating that I had won the scholarship. This means a lot as it allows me to continue my studies with extra support and finance for equipment.”

“I’m studying CAD and with this financial award, I will be upgrading equipment to improve work output and as I’m into 3D printing, a printer may well be on the shopping list.”

Jason McEvoy, Engineering Manager at Diageo, said: “We are delighted to support Fife College students with a Diageo Scholarship again this year. As a business, we are committed to the development of talented individuals and both Leona and Aaron have shown great dedication and commitment to their studies.

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“It is unfortunate we were unable to award the scholarships in person due to the coronavirus restrictions but hope to welcome Leona and Aaron at a later date for a visit and tour of our bottling plant in Leven.”

Lyn Gold, Adam Smith Foundation Scholarship Co-ordinator, said: “We would like to thank Diageo for their continued support of our students by awarding these generous scholarships which will help them enormously in their future studies and careers.”

“The financial award will be of very useful for Leona and Aaron but what is even more valuable is the recognition of a global business such as Diageo that they can add to their CVs.”

Through partnership with businesses, charitable trusts and individual donors, the Adam Smith Foundation has developed a Scholarship Programme which provides recognition, a financial award, and in some cases, work experience, internships and trips abroad to support and encourage students to achieve their full potential.

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