Double joy for former Wallace High student
by NEIL GREENLEES

Ruth Carberry with her winner's certificate.

LISBURN girl Ruth Carberry had a double reason to celebrate this week.

The former Wallace High School pupil was part of a team of three undergraduates from the University of Northumbria who won the Institute of Direct Marketing National Student Competition and discovered she has been awarded a first class honours degree.

Ruth and her two colleagues were winners of the 11th National Student Competition Award announced at the IDM Patrons' Dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel, Park Lane on 3 July.

The winners emerged following a tense pitch against two other finalists. The girls took the Gold award ahead of an all-male rival team, also from the University of Northumbria, which took Silver, while a team from De Montfort University was Highly Commended.

The 2008 brief, supplied by TEQUILA \ London and client, the British Army, asked entrants to develop a new programme targeting 16-18 year-olds entering further and higher education, through to the point where they are making career decisions.

The winning team impressed the judges with an integrated campaign with the proposition: "Take on a world of opportunities. Take on a career in the British Army". TEQUILA \ London's Amanda Forwood said: "The winner stood out in particular, as they demonstrated a thorough understanding of the brief and application of their studies. Not only did they think beyond the brief but they provided comprehensive research and support for their proposal." Ruth also discovered this week that she had achieved a First Class honours degree in Marketing Management.

She has been offered a position by the food giant HJ Heinz and will be entering their graduate scheme in September.

neil.greenlees@jpress.co.uk

Ulster Star
11/07/2008