Celebrating #TECHOGNITION Day 2026 with our unsung heroes at Holy Cross

Every year the UK celebrates #TECHOGNITION Day, a national spotlight on the skills, dedication and essential work of school and college technical staff — from science labs to design & technology.

#TECHOGNITION Day exists because technical colleagues play a vital role in making education happen, yet too often they work away from the limelight. 

Say hello to our technicians from across the college and join us thanking them for their incredible behind-the-scenes support.

Maureen Lomax, Laboratory Technician

Biology teacher Ruth Hockenhull said: Our technicians Maureen (laboratory), Miquette (Chemistry) and Ella (Physics) are amazing. They are too often the unsung heroes supporting us all behind the scenes.

Maureen is the heart of our department – she goes above and beyond any technician’s job description! 

As a Biology Technician she sets up (and clears away) all our practicals, and often she will come into class to help our students. The students love her – she’s calm and approachable. 

She orders everything we need for the practicals so everything runs beautifully smoothly. 

She’s also our environmental conscience – she’s currently working on replacing all the pens with more ecofriendly pencils which won’t have to be replaced so regularly and involve much less plastic. She’s part of the Eco Group and runs the plant club with me. 

She remembers birthdays and bakes cakes! She is just absolutely marvellous, and I cannot imagine the department without her (which sadly after this year we will be!)

Ella Hilton, Physics Technician

Physics Curriculum Lead Jenny Couldridge said: Ella is an absolute star. She goes above and beyond to help us and our students. She can turn her hand to anything and has helped us develop lots of new exciting demos.

She has very often done a job before we have even suggested it! Her ability to get things done quickly and efficiently means we can actually work through our to-do list.

She has a great relationship with the students, and in her role as GTA she helps them progress so much with her well-planned support sessions.

And, of course, we get on so well with her and we work well as a team. Thank you so much Ella for everything you do!

Miquette Hall, Chemistry Technician

Chemistry and Applied Science Curriculum Lead Dr Irfan Sulaman said: Our brilliant Chemistry technician Miquette deserves a huge shout‑out for the incredible work she’s done behind the scenes since starting at Holy Cross a few months ago.

Her organisation skills are second to none — she’s completely transformed the prep room, dedicating hours to make it the tidiest and most efficient it has ever been.

She brings a cheerful, calm and approachable presence to every day and always ready to help. She is always thinking ahead when organising practicals and keeping the chemicals and equipment fully stocked.

And as if that weren’t enough, she also keeps us smiling with her amazing vegan cookies. We’re so grateful for her proactive spirit and the positivity she brings to our team.

Dom Tanner, Music Technician

Curriculum Leader for Performing Arts, PE, Drama, Dance and Music Jennie Fairclough said: Dom is nothing short of indispensable!

He supports all aspects of the Sound Engineering course, timetabling the students’ use of the Recording Studio.

He supports the A Level Music teacher with technical elements and timetables the Peri staff to make sure there is always a beautiful sound emitting from the department.

Dom also runs the audio for all meetings in the Hall, briefings and assemblies, as well as the sound for the college production! He's a technical whizz kid!

Lee Davies, Performing Arts Technician

Curriculum Leader for Performing Arts, PE, Drama, Dance and Music Jennie Fairclough said: Lee is utterly indispensable!

Produces and designs the college production; supports the Director with all manner of crazy, off the wall ideas and makes everything work safely.

Supports with all Drama practical work and designs all pieces.

As a train enthusiast, Lee loves nothing more than timetabling all of the department's extracurricular responsibilities and manages the Hall. He organises me!

Luke Heffernan, Film and Media Technician

Media and Film Studies teacher Ian Bland said: In short, we would be lost without his technical know-how, unflappable nature, and general enthusiasm. Luke, we salute you!

Student conversations seem to go like this:

“Sir, how do I remove a background on Photoshop?”

Me: “Ask Luke.”

“Sir, my footage seems to have disappeared. How do I get it back?”

Me: “Ask Luke.”

“Sir, can I borrow a camera this weekend?”

Me: “Ask Luke.”

“Sir, how do I... forget it I'll just ask Luke.”

Nathan Power, PE Assistant

Curriculum Leader for Performing Arts, PE, Drama, Dance and Music Jennie Fairclough said: Nathan is our PE Assistant extraordinaire!

Alongside the Director of Sport, he facilitates the extracurricular sport in college.

He’s the kit washer, referee organiser, coach hirer and pitch negotiator!

As a rugby enthusiast, Nathan loves nothing more than cheering on the college Rugby team.

Greg Beckett and Martin Frost, IT Technicians and Joe Panayi, IT Support Officer

Together, Greg, Martin and Joe aim to respond quickly to questions and issues raised by staff and students, whether the issue is with software or hardware.

They’re our go-to crew whenever something isn’t working as it should!