By Ava Hughes

Scotland’s First Minister took time out of her jam-packed schedule  yesterday to speak about how inspired she is by Notre Dame’s very own superstar Depute Head Boy.

First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said:  “I have known Rhys for some time now and was pleased to join him on what was a very sobering visit to Auschwitz in November with pupils from across Scotland. The Holocaust must never be forgotten and visits like this one are vital in educating young people about what can happen if prejudice and racism become normalised in society.

“I was impressed by Rhys the very first time I met him and continue to be inspired by his example – he has overcome so many hurdles and his achievements, including becoming a Scottish boxing champion and campaigning for equality in sport, are testament to his determination and character.”

Rhys McCole, S6, was being filmed for BBC Breakfast about his success overcoming disability, his boxing accolades and his current drive to bring equality to sports. The footage filmed in school on Monday attracted much attention and many laughs. It was due aired on TV this Wednesday morning during BBC Breakfast.

Rhys applied to take part in the BBC’s Young Reporter competition and was selected from thousands of applicants as one of just 12 pupils across the UK to be filmed.

The crew captured footage of the local boxer in school and, on Monday evening, at Rhys’s boxing club in Greenock. On Wednesday, Rhys and his grandfather are being flown to BBC headquarters in Manchester to film additional footage.

Notre Dame’s news team, Notre Dame Now, will be reporting, as part of the BBC’s Young Reporter project all day Wednesday. Watch out on BBC News24 for our work!

During Monday’s filming in school, one of our cleaners was stunned to find herself doing an interview to camera for the BBC – on her first day back to work after a knee operation. Stunned Marion Thomson just happened to be passing the filming in the social area on Monday when she became part of the story herself.

Marion Thomson, from Greenock, explained: “I was looking forward to coming back to work as I was fed up and I missed all the students and staff. I was just passing by Rhys and the boys, and I said to Rhys ‘I knew you were going be famous!’ Like everybody in the school, I know Rhys. He’s a lovely, smiley boy and he’s credit to the school.”

Notre Dame’s very own superstar Depute Head Boy took to the social area yesterday afternoon and strutted his stuff in front of a BBC film crew.

Rhys McCole, S6, was being filmed for BBC Breakfast about his success overcoming disability, his boxing accolades and his current drive to bring equality to sports. The footage filmed in school on Monday attracted much attention and many laughs - it’s due to be aired on TV this Wednesday morning during BBC Breakfast.

Rhys applied to take part in the BBC’s Young Reporter competition and was selected from thousands of applicants as one of just 10 pupils across the UK to be filmed.

The crew captured footage of the local boxer in school and, on Monday evening, at Rhys’s boxing club in Greenock. On Wednesday, Rhys and his grandfather are being flown to BBC headquarters in Manchester to film additional footage.

Notre Dame’s news team, Notre Dame Now, will be reporting, as part of the BBC’s Young Reporter project all day Wednesday. Watch out on BBC News24 for our work!

During Monday’s filming in school, one of our cleaners was stunned to find herself doing an interview to camera for the BBC – on her first day back to work after a knee operation. Stunned Marion Thomson just happened to be passing the filming in the social area on Monday when she became part of the story herself.

Marion Thomson, from Greenock, explained: “I was looking forward to coming back to work as I was fed up and I missed all the students and staff. I was just passing by Rhys and the boys, and I said to Rhys ‘I knew you were going be famous!’ Like everybody in the school, I know Rhys. He’s a lovely, smiley boy and he’s credit to the school.”