The New Year Honours list has conferred gongs on some of our most talented and hard-working individuals.
Around 80 people have added a few extra letters to their names, with recipients ranging from Olympians to a broadcaster to some of the public sector’s most diligent members.
Hannah Scott (23) became our first female Olympic gold medal winner since Dame Mary Peters in 1972 when she helped Team GB’s quadruple scull crew secure a dramatic victory on the water in Paris during the summer.
Now she has followed in the celebrated athlete’s footsteps again, emulating Peters’ own MBE award in 1973.
She is among a number of high-profile sportswomen recognised in the honours.
Two-time Paralympian Claire Taggart, who won a world boccia championship title in December 2022, has also been awarded an MBE for services to the sport.
And former Northern Ireland captain Marissa Callaghan has been recognised for her achievements on the football pitch internationally and for her club Cliftonville.
All have spoken of their hope the honours will help encourage young girls to pursue their dreams in a sector often dominated by men.
Elsewhere, radio presenter Hugo Duncan has been handed an MBE for services to the entertainment industry and community.
A household name for years, the ‘Wee Man from Strabane’ dedicated the award to his late mother.
With the healthcare system under intense pressure, outgoing Ambulance Service chief executive Michael Bloomfield is also among the recipients, awarded an OBE for services to health and social care.
Having spent almost four decades working in the public sector, Mr Bloomfield is set to retire in March.
Among other deserving recipients are Troubles victims’ campaigner Eric Brown and jazz musician Linley Hamilton.
The honours system is often dismissed by its critics as outdated, but beyond the formal titles and ceremonial pomp, recipients more often than not highlight the positive effect they can have on the causes they champion.
Rather than bathe in the glory, many of those honoured tend to deflect the credit onto others.
The publicity can help direct the public’s gaze to a cause of which they may not have been previously aware. Particularly at a time when thoughts are turning towards New Year’s resolutions, the honours can focus minds of those who may be looking to make a difference to society in 2025.