Forres Academy prize giving celebrates top pupils of the year
Proud families and staff celebrated the achievements of a local secondary’s pupils during its annual awards ceremony.
Opening her speech at Forres Academy’s prize giving on Thursday June 19, head teacher Mrs Jan Sinclair, recounted a packed year of national and international student visits, attainment, volunteering, celebrations, community events … and education.
She said: “This is not only about celebrating all the wonderful pupil achievements, but also a chance to reflect on so many highlights of our school year.
“Following stakeholder consultation, we set out the new school vision for the school ‘Where we Work Together for a Bright Future’ and this has underpinned our work over this school year.
“The cycle of school improvement never stops and we look forward to continuing on this journey with our school community as we all work together for a bright future over the coming school year where we can also look to that future with a school building that our young people deserve.”
Mrs Sinclair paid tribute to her staff who helped make the achievements of the students possible, as well as the input of parents and carers.
She added: “Whilst we celebrate our prize winners, let us not forget the hard work being undertaken and quiet achievements made by all of our pupils who are the heart of our school.
“Working together for a bright future also relates to the work that is undertaken over the year with partners of the school as we look to further supporting our young people and providing opportunities for them in the community where they can put into action our values of being inclusive, kind and determined.”
After an impressive list of S4 prize winners, the cups, shields and trophies were presented: the German Consulate Prize went to Natasha McNaught; the Nicolson Award went to S1 Iris Bradley; the MacIver Prize to S2 Fern Bryson; the Michael Dufficy Trophy went to S3 Tallis Whitney; the Stewart Murray Memorial Award for Musical Excellence went to Roze McAfee; and the Caitlin Dustan Award went to Kaiden Falconer.
The pupil house captains - Isla Pritchard, Isak Jones, Kate Millar, Luke McKee, Jessica Powell, Erin Shaw, Bill Symon, Nathan Penny, Mia Bowcutt, Jack Pittam and senior prefects Scarlett Britain and Sophie Howard - were commended for their special service to the school, as was Bill Symon for “piping at countless school events”.
Finally, academic excellence was honoured: the Alan Grieve Memorial Award for Excellence in Science was presented to Jessica Powell; the George Pirie Award for the 4th year dux to Sofya Schiller; and senior school dux to James Ryder.
Mrs Sinclair saluted the pupils’ “determination in abundance”.
She finished: “I offer my personal congratulations. I am honoured to celebrate with you.”
