Staff, parents and friends of the school gathered to celebrate the achievements of another busy session in the life of Clyde Valley. Prize Giving was also the final event of Clyde Valley’s 20th Anniversary session.
Mr Jim Allardyce, chairman for the evening, welcomed everyone before introducing the platform party. He extended a warm welcome to Councillors Love, McKay, Harmon, O’Rorke and Taggart. On this historic occasion for the school, Mr Allardyce was also delighted to welcome renowned local historian, Professor Tom Devine as the principal guest and main speaker.
In his annual report, Mr Sommerville reflected upon the achievements of pupils and staff within the context of the school Clyde Valley has become over its 20 year history. He acknowledged the school was only able to achieve such success on the foundations of school and community partnerships, and especially those with the home. As he looked forward to the beginning of the Clyde Valley Campus Project during the summer, Mr Sommerville reflected the school was well placed to build on its rich history to date.
Professor Tom Devine delivered an inspirational address. He began by asking all of the young people to recognise the debt they owed to their parents and extend family and to their teachers. He considered all of these to be the support behind their individual successes. With poignant and telling reference to his own experience, Professor Devine urged all of the prize winners to pursue their dreams, be brave in the world and never to be afraid of failure. He challenged them to use any failure in life as an opportunity to refresh personal ambition and to return even more determined to succeed. Professor Devine warmly congratulated all of the prize winners before presenting the awards in the senior school. Councillors Love, McKay, Harmon, O’Rorke and Taggart presented the remainder of the awards.
This year’s Joint Winners of the Proxime Accessit (Runner-Up) were Karen Perry and Sara Thomson. They received the Ness Gallagher Prize and the David Colville Silver Commemorative Medal.
This year’s Dux Award went to Jordan Dunnachie who received the Ness Gallagher Award and the David Colville Gold Commemorative Medal.
Prize Giving was a fitting celebration of all of the session’s main achievements and much enjoyed by all those who took part.
Clyde Valley’s main prize winners: (from left to right) Sarah Thomson, Jordan Dunnachie and Karen Perry.
