AN ALLOA student was named the most promising during this year’s Forth Valley College’s graduation.

Nicole Gray graduated with a HNC in childhood practice and also scooped up the most promising student in the department of carte, sport, businesses and communities award.

The 37-year-old graduated from Forth Valley College on Friday, October 11, and said she was surprised to pick up the accolade upon leaving.

She said: “I am really surprised, but really, really proud to have won this award, especially on the back of a very tough year for me.

“I hope it can inspire other young mums to go for it, apply for college and work towards a qualification.”

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Nicole was one of more than 850 students who formed part of this year’s graduation, attending the ceremony held at the FVC headquarters.

Dr Eve Poole OBE was on hand as a guest speaker in the morning, while Marc Crothall spoke during the afternoon event.

Former policeman Robin Iffla MBE addressed the crowd in the evening and lastly Abhishek Agarwal, chair of the Forth Valley Board of Management gave the vote of thanks.

Alloa Bowmar Pipe Band were also in attendance, serenading all the graduates as they picked up their scrolls.

Kenny MacInnes, FVC principal, added: “All our prize winners this year have also excelled in their course and thoroughly deserve this recognition.

“Forth Valley College is very proud of their efforts and I personally would like to congratulate them for their hard work, which will no doubt inspire students of the future.

“We wish them well as they embark upon their new careers or continued study. They have without a doubt been a credit to themselves and to the college.

“We are sure they will go on to have successful careers in whatever they choose to do.”