UHI North, West and Hebrides celebrates its Students of the Year for 2025-26
UHI North, West and Hebrides has announced its Higher and Further Education Students of the Year for 2025-26, celebrating outstanding and inspiring students from across its campuses and online learning community.
Sean McGuire has been named Further Education Student of the Year, in recognition of his academic excellence, leadership and exceptional commitment to his peers. The Outdoor Leadership student at Fort William achieved 100% attendance and every qualification on his course and this summer will take up a full-time contract as a glacier guide in Iceland.
Angel Okoro has been named Higher Education Student of the Year, in recognition of her strong academic performance, confident leadership and outstanding contribution to her community. The Wildlife and Conservation Management student has excelled in her online studies whilst also becoming a driving force in tackling food poverty and environmental issues in Fort William.
Sean has been named UHI North, West and Hebrides' Overall Student of the Year and will go forward as a contender for the UHI Student of the Year, to be decided later this year.
Lydia Rohmer, Principal and Chief Executive of UHI North, West and Hebrides, said: "I want to congratulate every student who received a nomination, their achievements are testament to their hard work, determination and resilience. I am incredibly proud of each and every one of them and look forward to seeing what they go on to accomplish.
Sean McGuire - Further Education Student of the Year 2025-26
Sean studied Outdoor Leadership at UHI North, West and Hebrides' Fort William campus and was nominated by his lecturer, Eilid Ormiston.
Eilid said: "Sean is an exceptional student whose positive outlook, natural leadership and support to the class and staff has been a real pleasure this year. He achieved 100% attendance and every award and qualification he set out to accomplish, including securing an outstanding work placement as a glacier guide in Iceland, which has led to a full-time contract for the summer season. He was instrumental in supporting his classmates to secure their own placements, including helping them navigate complex visa requirements. He is a positive role model, and the class are hugely grateful for his input and leadership."
As Student Voice Representative, Sean played a key role in supporting communication between staff and students throughout the year. He also completed a John Muir Conserver Award, with an innovative project upcycling disused appliances into resources for bushcraft and outdoor learning sessions. Alongside his studies, Sean is a member of the college's Wild Swimming group and regularly travels the length of the country by public transport to train and compete in martial arts.
Sean said: "At first I was surprised, then delighted, that my hard work towards my dream had been recognised. My time at UHI North, West and Hebrides has taught me so much about working in the outdoors, living independently, and developing leadership skills. I have had very supportive lecturers and instructors who encouraged me even when I doubted myself.
"One of my biggest highlights has been exploring the Northwest Highlands, making new friends, and gaining my Paddle Sport Instructor award as an important step in my journey.
"Moving forward, I’m focused on finding work in the outdoor industry and continuing to develop as an adventurer, inspired by the opportunity to explore and push myself further.”
Angel Okoro - Higher Education Student of the Year 2025-26
Angel is studying Wildlife and Conservation Management online with UHI North, West and Hebrides and was nominated by her Programme Leader, Stewart Blair.
Stewart said: "Angel has been an outstanding student who has fully engaged with all aspects of the course. She communicates confidently within our online learning environment and demonstrates strong leadership, guiding discussions without ever dominating them, a genuinely positive influence on less confident peers throughout. She distinguished herself at the Integrated Land Use Conference, representing the programme to a very high standard and making a strong impression on staff and external partners alike. Since relocating to Fort William, Angel has extended that positive influence well beyond the classroom, becoming actively involved with the local food bank and developing plans to establish a delivery service for individuals with mobility issues. She is an outstanding role model, exemplifying the standards and values we seek to instil in all students."
To find out more about studying at UHI North, West and Hebrides, visit: Home - UHI North, West and Hebrides