In today's blog post we're continuing our new series introducing you to our valued sponsors who have made the Teach Portsmouth Awards 2022 possible.
This week we hear from Mike Gaston, Principal and CEO of HSDC, sponsor of the creativity award.
Could you tell us about what you do and your connection to education?
HSDC is the largest college serving the fantastic city of Portsmouth – very large numbers of our students and staff live in the city, and we have close relationships with schools and employers based all over the city and the surrounding area. This makes us so very proud to sponsor events as the Teach Portsmouth Awards 2022.
Teaching and supporting young people quite simply changes their lives – and any chance we have to recognise the best work taking place is an opportunity to show appreciation for all the dedicated staff working in our schools and colleges.
What do the Teach Portsmouth Awards mean to you/organisation?
The Teach Portsmouth Awards are a fantastic set of opportunities to show our heartfelt appreciation for all those staff working to give young people the very best start to their lives – raising ambitions, removing barriers and supporting success. We must never take the impact of this for granted, and prestigious awards such as Teach Portsmouth are a wonderful way to show our thanks.
What are you looking forward to from the awards ceremony?
I am sure there will be an incredibly positive atmosphere as people gather from our local educational community. It will be great to meet up with partners and friends from our local schools plus the individuals and teams whose nominations for the awards were so impressive.
What special message do you have for Portsmouth's teachers, support teams and leaders?
Quite simply – thank you. Not a day goes by when I am not humbled by the dedication, professionalism and commitment of all of you. Recent years have been particularly challenging, and you have not wavered at all in your determination that our young people will continue to get the best possible experience.