Netball star wins first Eilidh’s Award
Presentation to Commonwealth hopeful
A Hamilton school has created an award in memory of former pupil and dux Eilidh Mchugh.
The senior school prizegiving ceremony took place in Holy Cross High last week.
And a very special honour – which will be known as Eilidh’s Award – was presented for the first time.
Eilidh was aged only 22 when she passed away in March after a short battle with an aggressive form of cancer.
Head teacher John Reilly said: “It was my honour as head teacher to establish this new award, which will be awarded on an annual basis for academic and wider achievement.
“Eilidh, aged 22, lost her very short battle with a highly aggressive and extremely rare form of cancer in March this year.
“When we – the staff, current and former students of Holy Cross High School – learned of Eilidh’s story there was a determination to acknowledge and honour one of our star pupils who exhibited all of the talents of being academic, athletic and caring for those around her.
“On Wednesday evening, it was our pleasure to welcome Eilidh’s parents Michael and Elaine and sister Kerry to the school to share and celebrate with the school community the presentation of Eilidh’s Award for the first time.
“Eilidh’s Award, was presented by her sister Kerry, to the inaugural winner, Bethan Goodwin.”
International netball player Bethan (17) hopes to represent Scotland at the Commonwealth Games in Australia’s Gold Coast next year.
She is a member of Scotland’s semi-professional netball club Sirens, who play at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow in the Sky broadcast Vitality Netball Superleague.
And Bethan has competed for the Scotland under-17 squad in Netball Europe competitions, earned her first under-17 cap at 14, and has captained the side.
She has also competed for Scotland under-21s at Netball Europe and gained her first cap as a Scottish Thistle at 16 at the Open Championships in May 2016.
Bethan also visits primary schools to help inspire young children into playing the sport.
Mr Reilly added: “The establishment of Eilidh’s Award ensures that not only will her memory live on in Holy Cross High School, but, so too will her courtesy, intelligence and smile.”
Kerry Mchugh said that this was a fitting tribute to her sister.
She said: “It was an honour to attend and present the first Eilidh’s Award. We want to express our sincere thanks to John Reilly, head teacher at Holy Cross and his fabulous staff for the respect shown to Eilidh on such a wonderful evening.
“Eilidh and I spent many happy years at Holy Cross High School. I look forward to continuing this in her memory.”