LIGHTHOUSE Learning Trust Chair Cllr Zoe Huggins says the British Empire Medal (BEM) she was awarded in the King’s Birthday Honours is recognition of the hard work put in by her and fellow governors.
Zoe, who is a Gosport Borough and Hampshire County councillor and has been with the Trust for 9 years and is Chair of the Trust for four years, received the BEM for Outstanding Services to Education.
“We don’t do these things with that recognition in mind, but it’s fantastic to receive it,” she said. “It’s a proud moment for me and my family and the Lighthouse Learning Trust.
“While it’s me that’s received the award, it does recognise the strength and the contribution of our board, trustees, and governors. We all contribute, and I’m only one part of that.”
She found out about the award in a letter a few weeks ago, but had to keep it quiet before the announcement. “It was very hard and I did tell my husband Darren because I thought it didn’t feel real until you say something out loud,” she said.
“We shared it with the wider family on the day it was announced, which was also our 28th wedding anniversary, so it was a nice celebration, and then the next day was Father’s Day, so we had a lot of family together. I’m sure there will be many more celebrations when I receive the award, and we have also been invited to a Royal Garden Party, so I imagine the next six to 12 months will be a big celebration.”
A CAREER IN EDUCATION
Zoe, who was born and bred in Gosport, began her 25-year career in education at Fareham College before setting up her own consultancy. She was a governor and then Chair at Gosport’s St Vincent’s Sixth Form College, which is part of the trust, before taking up her role at the Lighthouse board.
She is also a non-executive director at Business South and sees the relationship between educational opportunities and business as key to the prosperity of the region. “I believe that skills and education can enhance and change people’s lives,” she said. “Everything I do and have done for the past 25 years has had that at its core.”
HOPES FOR THE FUTURE
She hopes that receiving the BEM will serve as an inspiration for others to contribute to their community. “Volunteering enriches our society—boosting the economy, improving productivity, and fostering a sense of community cohesion,” she said.
“It’s a rewarding cycle of giving back. Not only can you follow your passions and make a meaningful impact, but you also gain personal benefits by developing your skills, expanding your networks, and making valuable contributions.”
“I was the first generation of my family to go to university, and I don’t think I knew anyone growing up with an honour. So it’s been lovely to get the recognition, and hopefully I can continue to use it to contribute to the Lighthouse Learning Trust and inspire the next generation.”