The ceremony to recognise pupil achievement in Fourth to Sixth Year for session 2014-15 took place last week. This event recognised success of students from Fourth through to Sixth Year on a wide variety of fronts including academic achievement, consistency of achievement, contribution to school and community, sporting success and attendance among other areas. Our thanks go to The Lord Advocate Right Honourable Frank Mulholland QC. Frank Mullholland is a Scottish lawyer who’s legal career has span over four decades.He has held Scotland’s top legal position as Lord Advocate since May 2011. He was the first Advocate Depute and Senior Advocate appointed within the Procurator Fiscal Service, and only the second non-advocate appointed to the office of the Lord Advocate. Frank came from vary modest roots in Coatbridge where he grew up and has worked extremely hard throughout his career to get where he is today. He was a very motivating and inspiring speaker who spoke eloquently to our young people, many who are about to embark on new journeys beyond Taylor High. We thank Frank for his very motivating words and advice to our young people at this memorable event. This was, as always, a very successful evening with a number of musical interludes presented by staff and students of the Music Department led by Principal Teacher Fiona Cannon. The music as always was truly spectacular, with both the performance and song-writing talents of many of our young people on display throughout each performance. Sophie Ho of Second Year opened the programme with an advanced solo piano piece, whilst both Second Year student Amy Louise Brogan and Fourth Year students Anna Cormack, Niamh Provan and Dionne Devine performed their own original compositions supported by our staff and pupil instrumental ensemble and large scale chorus! The musical performances for the evening were concluded by our National 5 and Higher students who delivered their own musical arrangement supported again by our choir and instrumentalists. The Jazz Band also provided a highly enjoyable performance for our guests on the evening supported by department staff and peripatetic music staff. This was well received by pupils, parents and invited guests.

Thanks to Depute Head Louisa McGraw who co-ordinated the event with the support of a large number of staff and pupils. Particular thanks to our superb Music Department led by Fiona Cannon, Principal Teacher of Music and colleagues, for the outstanding entertainment provided on the night! Thanks also to Mrs. Amanda Fairley and the team of office staff for the all the work that went on behind the scenes. The night proved extremely poignant and moving in places and we congratulate all the young people on their outstanding success.