NORTH WALSHAM’S CLASS OF 2015 RECOGNISED AT GLAMOROUS PRIZEGIVING CEREMONY
Outstanding students at North Walsham High School have been recognised at the school’s annual Prizegiving ceremony – with a total of 37 of last year’s Year 11 awarded prizes at the event, held in front of parents and families at the School’s Atrium.
The most prolific prize-winners were Maisie Barber and Isobel Shuttleworth-Hobbs, who each carried off seven separate prizes, and Lucy Curtis-Warminger, who won six awards.
Prize-winners received plaques to mark excellence in individual subjects, paperweights awarded by the head teacher and the Governors, and cups and trophies for a variety of achievements.
The prizes were handed out by former MP Simon Wright, who started his career as a maths teacher in north Norfolk, and who now leads the young people’s bereavement charity Nelson’s Journey. He was assisted by Chair of Governors Alex Robinson.
Addressing the whole of the class of 2015, Mr Wright urged them to be curious and follow their passions.
“My unusual career path has highlighted the benefits of curiosity, and using that curiosity to drive your passion,” he said during an inspirational address. “My change of direction from teaching into politics was initiated by curiosity about how decisions are made which affect education and young people. My passion was and is for improving education, and helping young people to succeed.
“If you are pursuing a passion, it doesn’t feel like hard work. I think that being passionate is about 100 times more important than being clever.”
Speaking about the painful experience of losing his Norwich South seat in the 2015 general election, Mr Wright said, “We cannot realise our potential if we are not prepared to take risks from time to time. Failure should never stand in the way of the pursuit of passion.”
Mr Wright summed up his advice in ten words: “Be curious. Find your passion. Work hard, and take risks.”
North Walsham High School acting head teacher Ian Winter told the former students and their families, “This is an opportunity to acknowledge your hard work and efforts, and to say thank you to your parents, carers and teachers for their support and efforts which have contributed greatly to your achievements.”
Mr Winter said that the former students had two choices for their future: just to survive, or to succeed. “If you choose to succeed and commit yourself to focussed goals, anything is possible. Enlarge your vision and think big, attract the good around you and seize the opportunities that come your way.”
Mr Winter ended by paying tribute to a particularly respectful year group which had a positive influence on the whole school. “You are a credit to yourself and your families, and you have the personal qualities that our community should be proud of. You are the type of people that I would be proud to have as my neighbour, a work colleague, or even as a friend. Class of 2015, I salute you.”
The Prizegiving ceremony also saw musical performances by current students at the school.