Prize pupils reap rewards

May 29 2009 by Jeff Holmes, Paisley Daily Express

PROUD parents looked on as pupils at Gleniffer High School in Paisley were presented with well-deserved awards.

The Certificate of Merit ceremony for Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Year pupils was well attended and, by the end of the evening, more than a dozen top awards had been distributed.

Headteacher David Nicholls said: “The evening is one of the highlights of the school calendar and, as the headteacher, it makes me immensely proud to present the awards to each of the pupils on the night.

“Our ceremony for S1, S2 and S3 pupils will take place on Thursday, June 4, and I will be equally as proud to present the awards to our younger pupils on that evening.”

The Certificate of Merit ceremony is an annual event which takes place at the end of each academic session, bringing pupils, staff and parents together in a formal setting to celebrate achievement.

Outstanding

Awards are presented for achievements in individual subjects, high levels of attainment and outstanding effort in class.

Pupils are also rewarded for service to the school community.

Mr Nicholls said a number of the awards are named in memory of former teachers and supporters of Gleniffer High.

He added: “Marilyn Stirling was a regular guest at our school shows and concerts for many years and she left money for two awards by way of thanks to the school for the many happy and enjoyable nights she had watching our pupils.

“The Alison Johnson memorial award is presented to the pupil who has achieved most in home economics and was set up after the death of a former principal teacher who made a telling contribution to the life of the school.

“Likewise, the Janet Ashcroft memorial award was inaugurated after the death of one of our most respected members of the art and design department, who sadly died at a young age of cancer.

“Ruth Carroll was a principal teacher of guidance who died of cancer after a long illness. As she was involved in guidance, we felt the award would be most suited to the additional work pupils take part in, such as volunteering and supporting the community.

“The funds for this award were generously donated by Mrs Carroll’s friends.

“The Roddy Gardner award was presented the year after the former headteacher of Gleniffer High retired. Roddy gave a huge amount of time to extra curricular activities through his athletics teams and was always very supportive of pupils who represented their school or local clubs.”