Celebrations at Laurelhill Community College

The local school, which is celebrating its 40th birthday, welcomed back past principals for the evening. Welcoming everyone to the ceremony, Principal Mr James Martin said: “In 1974-75 the school opened with an enrolment of 192 pupils and twelve members of staff.

“Four decades on the College is flourishing, with more than 700 pupils, described by the Department of Education as a viable and sustainable

11-18 College for the years ahead.”

During his speech, Mr Martin spoke about the importance of education and praised both staff and pupils for their hard work throughout the year. “The pressure on our young people to acquire knowledge and skills to succeed in today’s competitive workplace continues to increase,” said Mr Martin.

“The words of Nelson Mandela, reflecting on his troubled and torn nation with all its inequalities and vast potential are still applicable to us, ‘Education is our passport to the future’.”

Mr Martin continued: “Tonight we celebrate many individual achievements, but I am aware that these achievements are built upon the foundation of a community working and progressing together in the

interests of each young individual.

“The College is committed to respond to the current needs of the economy to adapt our policy and practices as required, but above all our focus is firmly fixed on the young people we serve. I value our heritage and I look forward with optimism and joy to the future.”