Successes celebrated at annual Ballyclare High awards ceremony

Ellie Gould, Emily Clugston and Owen Beckington being congratulated on their achievements by Head of Year 11, Mrs Montgomery.

The event on September 29 featured a motivational message from guest of honour, Mandy Hickson, a former RAF Fast-jet pilot,

Congratulating the students, Principal Dr Rainey said: “The talent and abilities, the stories and the adventures, are exceptional in this school. The extent and depth of what we celebrate here remains unrivalled, you as pupils stand out.

“I can’t possibly capture anything but a flavour of all that on this occasion.

Brann Medallion winners Jamie Purdy (Science) and Lea Nesbitt (Literacy).

“Today we shine a spotlight on academic excellence. This celebration too can only but scratch the surface of the collection of your accomplishments. For each of you, success is different.

“For each, reward and satisfaction, and confidence, comes from being the best you can be. Many of you do great things in the face of adversity and difficulties so let’s remember as we applaud some of those successes, that behind every photo, and story, and trophy, is a huge investment by you, and also your teachers.

“It is very difficult to do justice to the huge amount of excellent work going on in school on an occasion like this. It’s also difficult to do justice to recognition for all associations and organisations that are part of Ballyclare High.”

Dr Rainey added: “We are blessed with such a talented and dedicated staff who empower you and each other to be the best they can be.

McCreary Trophy for the Musical Production Daisy Johnston and Jamie Young.

“We have a support staff second to none. Our governors, wholly committed to us and are priceless contributors too, and I extend to them my personal gratitude for all we have accomplished this year.

“Parents and friends who lean-in add just another little special ingredient to the melting pot of success. We are all united in preparing you for your examinations but just as importantly, we are developing you for the world of work, and life, as fine and upstanding members of our community and society.

“Congratulations boys and girls. May the awards. the words of congratulations and the thrill of your teachers, afford you a little glow in your heart, the knowledge your talent and hard work has combined to bring you such success, and a hunger for more!”

Megan Cochrane who won the Johnston Cup for GCSE PE and the Hunter Prize for English Literature.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Louise Tan received for GCSE performance the Lindsay Cup (Combined Sciences),French and Spanish Prize and the Workman Cup for Community Service.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper when you can safely.

You can also enjoy unlimited access to the best news from across Northern Ireland and the UK by subscribing to newsletter.co.uk

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Thank you.