Congratulations to English Curriculum Manager Shaesta Butt

Shaesta Butt – who has scooped a prestigious regional award for Lifetime Contribution to education.

Shaesta, who has worked at the Grimsby Institute for more than 30 years, won the Golden Apple award at a ceremony last night at Forest Pines Hotel.

She joined other terrific teachers and star students at the event, organised by the Grimsby and Scunthorpe Telegraph to celebrate success in education across North and North East Lincolnshire.

Awards were presented by Lizzie Rose and Carl Wheatley from BBC Radio Humberside’s Breakfast Show.

Shaesta, who started her Institute career in the childcare department, said she was

“surprised but delighted” to receive the recognition.

“I don’t like having all the attention on me so when they called my name it was all a bit of a blur.

“I know the two other candidates – Anne Barker, who also works here, and Paul Newbold, who recently retired from Franklin – and they are both equally strong in their own right.

“It is nice to receive the recognition, although it came as a total surprise.”

Shaesta started her career in 1987, working first as programme leader and curriculum manager in the childcare team before moving to maths and English in 2011.

“If staff are having a bad day, I tell them if things are that bad to look for something elsewhere, because if they’re not happy they shouldn’t stay.

“It’s hard enough to work for a living, but it’s even harder to be miserable and work for a living.

“I enjoy my job, which is what has kept me here all these years. I also enjoy the people I work with and, as an organisation, we offer a lot to the local community.

“It’s all about the students, and when they achieve something it’s one of the best feelings in the world.”

Shaesta was joined by husband Naeem, who also works at the Institute, at the awards, while daughter Nadia offered support via Twitter.

“I couldn’t do it without the people behind me; it’s the people in the job that keep me going.

“It’s nice to get the recognition, although you don’t expect it. My team put me forward so I have them to thank.”