Proud pupils pick up prizes at awards bash

Holy Cross High pupils and staff gathered recently for the senior school awards ceremony.

It was a fantastic night of celebration before parents, family and friends.

The principal guest was Professor Emeritus Sir Tom Devine, who was accompanied by his wife Lady Catherine.

Both presented awards to the winners, and delighted everyone by spending a great deal of time chatting to the young people and staff.

Head teacher John Reilly also welcomed Michael and Elaine Mchugh and their daughter Kerry to the school for the inaugural presentation of Eilidh’s Award,

Eilidh Mchugh was a former student and Dux of Holy Cross High who died, at the age of 22, after a short battle with a very aggressive and rare form of cancer.

The school was honoured to introduce Eilidh’s Award, which will now be presented annually.

Eilidh’s sister, Kerry, presented the award to Bethan Goodwin.

Mr Reilly said: “This was a wonderful night for the school – in particular our young award winners, their parents, family and friends.our staff were out in force too, sharing in the success of our young people.

“It was an honour for the school to have had Sir Tom and Lady Catherine there as principal guests. Sir Tom’s words of wisdom were an inspiration for all of us.

“As head teacher of the school it was my privilege to introduce the inaugural award in memory of our former student and Dux, Eilidh Mchugh.

“Eilidh’s Award will ensure Eilidh’s memory will live on and inspire other young people in Holy Cross High School.”

The award winners in full are: Awards for achievement in S4 Awards for achievement in S5 and S6 Awards for Outstanding Achievement in S4 Awards for outstanding achievement in S5 and S6 Awards for endeavour in S4 Awards for contribution to the school community Awards for special recognition in sports

Mccluskey, modern studies; Rowena Mccrone, music; Tom Mcgoldrick, physics; Clare Mclaughlin, business management; Aidan Mitchell, drama; Luke Murphy, French; Matthew Newnham, biology; Rebecca O’hare, computing science; and Gabriella Ventesei, Spanish....

Fourth-year winners Head teacher John Reilly with Sir Tom and Lady Catherine Devine and head of education for the Hamilton area Stewart Nicholson and some S4 award winners

Well doneguests with some of the award winners for outstanding achievement

Winner Bethan Goodwin was the first person to receive Eilidh’s Award