The Merit Award rewards consistently excellent classwork, homework and conduct. Certificates are presented at three levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold, and students collect nomination stamps on a regular basis from their subject teachers. Special Assemblies were held at Loreto College towards the end of November to reward the students in Years 8-9 who have already gained sufficient Merit awards to attain their Bronze or Silver certificate.
In Year 8, 92 students received Bronze awards, while 6 students received the Silver award. In Year 9, 40 students received Bronze award and 3 students received Silver awards.
Mr Michael James, Principal of Loreto College, paid tribute to the students who had received their Merit Awards, saying that undoubtedly the patterns of hard work and excellent behaviour would now translate into impressive results in the Christmas examinations. Mrs Maeve Close, co-ordinator of the Merit Award system at Loreto College, added that it was encouraging to see so many members of the Junior School receiving these Awards in recognition of consistently excellent work and conduct.
![We kick off with West Riding County Cup action at Elland Road as Brian Caswell battles for the ball.](https://www.northernirelandworld.com/imagefetch/http://www.lep.co.uk/webimage/1.9835405!image/image.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
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We kick off with West Riding County Cup action at Elland Road as Brian Caswell battles for the ball.
![Bob Hazell, who was on trial with the Whites after being released by Leicester City, in action.](https://www.northernirelandworld.com/imagefetch/http://www.lep.co.uk/webimage/1.9835406!image/image.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
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Bob Hazell, who was on trial with the Whites after being released by Leicester City, in action.
![Andy Ritchie was on the scoresheet that day along with strike partner Keith Edwards who bagged a brace.](https://www.northernirelandworld.com/imagefetch/http://www.lep.co.uk/webimage/1.9835407!image/image.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
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Andy Ritchie was on the scoresheet that day along with strike partner Keith Edwards who bagged a brace.
![Keith Edwards fires towards goal in front of 13,334 at Elland Road. The Whites took the three points thanks to goals from Ian Baird and John Sheridan.](https://www.northernirelandworld.com/imagefetch/http://www.lep.co.uk/webimage/1.9835408!image/image.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
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Keith Edwards fires towards goal in front of 13,334 at Elland Road. The Whites took the three points thanks to goals from Ian Baird and John Sheridan.