Outstanding ambassador

A FORMER student union president has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award after his outstanding contribution to student life.

Steve Sutherland (21) enrolled at Oldham College in 2011 studying childcare and education.

A passion for learning earned him huge respect from tutors and fellow learners and he was voted President of the Student Union in 2012.

Jenny Bates, student participation co-ordinator at Oldham College, nominated him for improving the college experience for his fellow students.

He encouraged his peers to get involved with surveys and elections and also implemented ideas to improve attendance and punctuality.

Jenny said: “Steve has been an outstanding ambassador for the college — intelligent, likeable and generous.

“The energy and enthusiasm he has poured into helping his peers has shown no bounds and has a very bright future ahead of him.”

Not content to stop there, Steve went on to complete a placement at Stoneleigh Academy where he set up the popular iPad Orchestra Club, which runs after school at Oldham Lyceum every Tuesday.

In June, Steve’s outstanding achievements saw him beat off competition from 120 entries to take the Highly Commended prize in the national Leading Learner Voice Awards, which recognise those working to increase participation and achievement in further education.

Steve was shocked to hear that he had been nominated and spoke fondly of his time as student union president.

He said: “I really enjoyed it, thinking it would just be something to add to my CV, but it was about much more than that.

“So then I ran to become president.

“It definitely opened my eyes.

Steve is now studying for a degree in early years/psychology, as he wants to go into teaching.

He added: “There aren’t a lot of males that do it, but it’s a good field to get into.”