Staff, pupils and locals Councillors joined in the celebrations at Southcraig Campus when Lorraine Stobie brought back her Lifetime Achievement Award.
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Lorraine Stobie, Head Teacher at South Ayrshire Council's Southcraig Campus received a top accolade at the Scottish Education Awards 2012 – a Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Scottish Education Awards are open to all publicly funded schools and provide the opportunity to showcase the hard work and achievements of all education staff in Scotland. There are categories to recognise and reward the dedication of teachers, head teachers and support staff across the country.
Lorraine was nominated for the dedication and devotion she has shown to teaching during 35 years of her professional life. Having won the trust and admiration of all staff, parents, support agency personnel and pupils Lorraine leads from the front. In her own time Lorraine has raised thousands of pounds for her schools, and many charities.
After receiving her award at a ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow Lorraine Stobie said: "It's completely overwhelming as I didn't expect to win − I was thrilled just to be nominated.
"It is a privilege to be Head of such a fantastic school where everyone strives to ensure the children and young people get the very best experiences they can.
"The reward is seeing the achievements and the progress the children make and working with staff and families who give 100 per cent to the school and the children."
Lorraine will now go forward to the UK Finals which will be held in London in October.
Councillor Margaret Toner, Lifelong Learning Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: "I am delighted Lorraine has won this Lifetime Achievement Award – a very well deserved award for someone who has committed herself to others.
"Lorraine has devoted herself to improving the quality of life of some of the most vulnerable children in South Ayrshire, always putting the needs of her pupils, staff and parents first which has led to outstanding achievements by the pupils.
"Driving forward the implementation of the Curriculum for Excellence is a challenge that Lorraine has relished. In her usual enthusiastic manner she has embraced new ways in which to ensure pupils with complex additional support needs gain the life skills they need to make them as independent as possible and absorb knowledge in a fun way at school.
"Lorraine has dedicated 35 years of her professional life to the special schools sector, leading by example and finding time to support others. During her leisure time Lorraine has raised tens of thousands of pounds for her school and children's charities.
"To be held in such high regard by the entire education community is recognition for all Lorraine's hard work."
There was great excitement at the Southcraig Campus when everyone found out that Lorraine had won a Lifetime Achievement award> Here is what some of her pupils had to say: The pupils at the school were delighted when they found out about Lorraine's Award here is what some of them said:
- "Well done for winning the competition. Mrs Stobie is good at making special mentions at assembly and she gives big certificates to the secondary."
- "I like Mrs Stobie. She works hard."
- "She's good. She gives us certificates and is friendly".
- "She's good at assembly."
"Mrs Stobie's got beautiful eyes."
- "Wear your old clothes tomorrow."
Speaking about Lorraine's achievement Harry Garland, Executive Director Children and Community for the Council said: "I am delighted that Lorraine has been recognised at a national level for the outstanding contribution she makes to education in South Ayrshire.
"Lorraine is an excellent ambassador for South Ayrshire and the way in which we provide a high level of education to meet the needs of all our pupils. Within her profession Lorraine is very respected. She has inspired many young teachers in the past and I am sure will continue to do so in the future. Importantly Lorraine always has time for everyone, pupils, their families, staff and the wider community."