On the evening of 9th November 2017 The Sydney Russell School held its annual prize giving ceremony, where parents, carers, family and friends gathered to celebrate the students’ hard work and academic achievements from the last academic year.  This was the first time in the history of the Sydney Russell School in which they had amalgamated the celebration of students from all year groups (Years 7-13) and not separated the prize giving into two different ceremonies which used to be held on different dates.  The motto for the prize giving was “Ever to Excel” which is a quotation from Homer’s lliad.  It was an evening of anticipation, appreciation and celebration together with the chance for students to recognise their own successes and to be rewarded for their hard work whether it be academically or for those who had excelled in an aspect of the school’s enrichment programme. 

The evening began at 6.30pm with a welcome reception in the Atrium prior to the commencement of the prize giving ceremony itself.  Both students and their relatives had the chance to socialise whilst appetisers, canapés, champagne and soft drinks were served.  As seven o’clock approached guests and students were asked to make their way to the Assembly Hall so that the ceremony could begin.   Both present and past students took their allotted places at the front of the hall, whilst guests were kindly shown to seats in the remainder of the Hall.   

After a welcoming speech from Miss de Gray she introduced the forthcoming keynote speakers of the evening who were Ms Davies, the Principal, the Guest of Honour, Martin Sullivan O.B.E and Ian Rowley from the Chair of Governors.  These speeches were motivational, inspirational and set an encouraging tone for the rest of the evening.

Ms Davies profusely thanked parents and carers throughout the evening for the faith and support they had entrusted in her and stated “I enjoy being the Principal of this school.”

The Guest of Honour, Martin Sullivan donated £50,000 to the school and he stated “I would not be where I am today if it were not for the education I received.”

During the prize giving ceremony each student was announced by Miss de Gray before ascending the stairs to the stage where every student was awarded and presented with a certificate and either a book or vouchers for W H Smiths which were presented individually by Ms Davies, Ian Rowley and Martin Sullivan.  Rapturous and enthusiastic applause resounded throughout the Assembly Hall as each student was celebrated for their achievement.

The top fifteen students from Year 11 were also awarded during the ceremony and a special congratulation was given to those students who did outstandingly in their GCSE’s and A levels.  

Throughout the evening guests were entertained musically by both students and staff of The Sydney Russell School alike.  Musical performances began with a Year 13 pianist which was followed by a Year 8 violinist, accompanied by a member of staff playing the piano.  Next, students and guests were treated to a Year 11 vocalist singing a song from the recent school production of “The Wiz” and then, with trepidation, the Sydney Russell School’s Staff Choir took to the stage and sang an excellent rendition of “Come Fly With Me”.  All of the musicians and choir received a warm welcome, were outstanding and exceptionally gifted and the audience showed their appreciation with deafening applause after each performance.

Finally, the time had come for the presentation of the ASPENS Student of the Year Awards.  A hushed silence descended upon the hall while Martin Sullivan tentatively opened golden envelopes and pronounced he felt that it was “like the Oscars” when waiting for the top student of each year to be revealed.

The night was a joyous occasion for all involved, a celebration of achievement with motivational speeches and exceptional and outstanding music for all to enjoy.  It will be a date firmly set in my calendar for next year as an auspicious occasion and one not to be missed!

By Katie Trebes, The Sydney Russell School.