Two Aberdeen school facilities staff in national finals

26 August 2015

A school crossing patroller and a school cook are to take part in the finals of a national competition tonight.

Pearl Rendall, a school crossing patroller for Kingsford School, is in the final three for the National School Crossing Patroller of the Year award.

Stephanie Campbell, a cook-in-charge at Hazlehead School, is also in the final three for the National School Cook of the Year award.

Aberdeen City Council Education and Children's Services convener Councillor Angela Taylor said: "It is fantastic that Pearl and Stephanie are in the finals of the competition.

"It is their hard work, love of the job and enjoyment when interacting with pupils, which makes them outstanding at their job.

"We have hundreds of other school crossing patrollers and catering staff who are a credit to Aberdeen City Council and the work they do is appreciated by pupils, teachers, and parents alike.

"We wish Pearl and Stephanie good luck for the finals."

Pearl, 72, has been a school crossing patroller for 35 years, first starting as a relief lollipop lady being sent around schools in the Northfield area of the city. She started at Kingsford School in January 1982 and has been there since, ensuring children of three generations cross the road safety.

She said: "I love the job and meeting all the children, their parents, and grandparents. It would be great if I won as it would be for the children."

Stephanie, 27, has been a school cook for three years after a 10-year career as a chef at several north-east restaurants including the Carmelite Hotel, The Lairhillock Inn and Prime Cuts.

She said: "Seeing the pupils enjoy the food is a brilliant feeling and really makes my day. I'm a bit nervous but it would be great to win."

The ASSIST FM AGM, Conference and Awards Ceremony is taking place today and tomorrow (27 and 28 August 2015) in Glasgow.

The event is attended by Facilities Management representatives from Scottish local authorities and includes industry presentations, supplier demonstrations and on Thursday evening, the awards ceremony.