Celebration Evening – Tuesday, 15^th October 2013

Commitment and achievement were rewarded in style on Tuesday, 15^th October at Blacon High School’s Celebration Evening.  Students from across all year groups received awards for achievement and contribution in every subject area.  In addition, a student from each year group was awarded a ‘Student of the Year’ certificate for their contribution to the life of their year group and the school.

The school hall was filled with proud parents and carers, teachers, governors and other invited guests.  Joining the audience were the Lord Mayor of Chester, Cllr Jill Houlbrook, the Lady Mayoress, Mrs Rachel Walker, Cllr Reggie Jones and Blacon High School’s Chair of Governors, Mr David Peachey.

Headteacher, Sue Yates was delighted to present the awards with Beth Tweddle, former gymnast and three time Olympian.  Beth spoke to the audience about her fantastic achievements at the Olympics and, importantly, about the hard work, commitment, perseverance and resilience this required.  These are key attributes we strive to foster at Blacon High School and Beth’s speech gave added meaning to our award winners.

The evening ended with two prestigious awards, ‘The Lilian Young Award’ and the ‘Headteacher’s Award’.  Sue Yates, Headteacher, explained to the audience that Lilian Young had been a teacher and governor at Blacon High School for many years and the school and its community had always been very close to her heart.  Following Lilian’s death in January this year she bequeathed a sum of money to the school.  This has funded the Lilian Young Award to be awarded to any student, who like Lilian herself, had left a lasting legacy for the school.  This year’s recipient is Elliot Pye, who achieved a flush of A*s in his GCSEs in the summer and was awarded a bursary to attend The King’s School to study at A level.  Elliot plans to become a vet.  Sue Yates described how Elliot had left his legacy at the school, that it is, “Cool to achieve.”

The Headteacher’s Award was presented to Carley Braide in Year 11 whose unswerving hard work and commitment is outstanding.  Sue Yates described how Carley shows, “Understated confidence” at all times.

The event ended with parents, students and staff meeting Beth Tweddle for photographs.  “This is a night to remember,” said Headteacher Sue Yates, “And one that demonstrates again Blacon High School’s commitment and determination to see students succeed.”