Harvest focus on effort and poverty

PAUL WILKINSON

DROMORE High School recently held its annual Harvest service in Dromore Cathedral, with pupils from Years 8-11 in attendance.

There was a varied programme, including members of the musical society helping with the hymns and an item by the ‘Ancora' singing group.

Six fifth-year pupils helped lead the service, reading what a spokesperson called "some important lessons for the school to hear".

He added, "Megan Jess did an excellent job as compere this year, introducing all the different activities, and kept everything moving along smoothly.

"Readings and thoughts were also shared by James Sloan, Michelle Burrows, Andrew Sleator, Amy Robinson and Simon Henderson; they all read excellently and shared some important thoughts for all the pupils to focus on.

"We looked at the importance of harvest and how difficult a skill it is for the farmer, but pupils were reminded themselves that for them to achieve anything or to reap the kind of life that they desired it was important for them to sow or work in the correct way.

"Just as a farmer cannot achieve a good harvest without putting in hard effort during the year, so too each person cannot achieve the things in life they desire without firstly putting the effort required."

The service also focused on the issue of world poverty.

"Megan shared some facts with us, " said the spokesperson, "one of which was that 1.02 billion people live on less than 1 a day.

"We shared that one of the main ways for the poor to break this cycle of injustice in their life is to gain an education and to work towards a brighter future.

"We shared about the school in Uganda (‘Light for All' Secondary School) with whom we have formed a special connection, and how, as the pupils donate towards it, they are making a difference in young people's lives, which will better their futures and give them a new hope."

A collection was taken in aid of the school during registration.

Rick Hill of Scripture Union Northern Ireland spoke about each person as a special creation.

"We sometimes overlook ourselves and think we are insignificant, " said the spokesperson, "yet Rick portrayed effectively how amazing, special and unique the human body really is."

Dromore High School thanks organisers, Mrs. Storey and Mr. Currie; Dromore Cathedral, for hosting the service, Mrs. Flanagan and Mrs. Anderson, who with members of the Environmental and Land Based Science Class, decorated the church for the service, and everyone who gave to the collection.

Dromore high school students who took part in the school's recent harvest service

Dromore High School students who took part in the school's recent harvest service