STUDENTS were commended for their hard work, perseverance and contribution to the life of their school and the wider community at their annual prizegiving night.

Guest of honour presenting the prizes and giving the keynote speech at the John Kyrle High School event was former pupil Guy Marshall-Brown, who is studying at the Royal College of Art in London for a master’s degree in ceramics and glass, and has exhibited his work in Milan and Brussels.

He said he was impressed with the range of activities being celebrated, from sporting to community, and academic to the arts, and told students at the Ross-on-Wye school to pursue their dreams and do work they loved.

Year Nine pupil Natalie Middlecote received the prestigious Pride of John Kyrle Award, which was presented in memory of former history teacher Sue Vinall last year.

Headteacher Nigel Griffiths said Natalie, who has ambitions to be a designer, was another legend of the school, who inspired students and staff alike.

He said: “She is involved in all aspects of the life of the school, including being part of the Leos club. Natalie is a young lady with a great sense of humour. She is kind to others and has many friends at school.

“Natalie is a very determined individual with an outstanding record of achievement in her work.”

Her family has been involved in the community and were great supporters of the school, while her brother Adam was the current head boy.

Chair of trustees, Denise Strutt, welcomed everyone to the annual presentation evening. Guests included Rev Prebendary Kay Garlic, Deputy Lieutenant of Herefordshire, representing Lady Darnley; General Sir Peter de la Billiere; Ross-on-Wye town mayor Cllr Harry Bramer and mayor’s consort, Marie Ward; former mayoress Anne Grey; Cllr Valerie Coacker and Cllr Phil Cutter, and former trustees, including Rod Barker.

Mrs Strutt congratulated all prize winners on their hard work and achievement, and thanked staff for their hard work, commitment and the all-round care they showed to students.

She said that the ‘Happy, Healthy, Successful’ mantra continued to drive the work of the school.

Mr Griffiths encouraged students to ensure their family was the most important aspect of their lives.

He said they should always aim to make their loved ones proud and told students to dream big, always striking a balance between work and play.

Mr Griffiths said how proud he was of his late mother who had reached her dream to become a nurse, even though she had to gain qualifications while holding down another job.

He concluded by saying that if students were lucky, like him and his mother, they would eventually have a job they loved and that they were proud to do.

Head girl Isla Kendall and head boy Adam Middlecote thanked Mr Marshall-Brown and presented him with a gift from the school.

They congratulated students and recalled their almost seven-year journey at JKHS and how much they had enjoyed it.