On Friday, September 20th, Limavady Grammar School hosted its yearly prize giving ceremony. The school was buzzing with excitement as we greeted the accomplished prize winners, as well as their families and friends into the hall!  The event served as a means to acknowledge and honour the hard work and dedication of the pupils throughout the past year.

It was a joy to welcome former student, Professor Ceclia O’Kane back as our special guest. Professor O’Kane works at Queen’s University Belfast in their School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical sciences/Wellcome Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine. She especially focuses on respiratory disorders in her work.

We were able to ask Professor O’Kane a couple questions about her time at LGS. She loved her time here as a student and had a remarkable passion for learning, particularly, the sciences. (Though, Physics was her least favourite!) During her time at school she loved prize day and she occasionally won a few prizes herself! Her time here has taught her many life skills and abilities such as teamwork and resilience which she still uses in her every-day life!

We asked if she had any advice for current students to which she replied “Love learning and do what you love.  Make friends and have fun!”

Many prizes were given out on Friday to students for all year groups to reward hard work or participation in various activities. The Year 13 and 14 pupils were recognised for their outstanding AS and A2 results, to which they were all presented with a certificate to reward their achievements.   Many pupils were also rewarded with “General excellence” throughout the school year for their consistent effort placed into all aspects of their school work.  Various prizes were awarded on the basis of GCSE results and KS3 pupils were awarded for their top performance throughput the year.

Following such an eventful day, senior prefects had the opportunity to serve tea and coffee to the prize givers and their families. Not only was it a day to celebrate achievement but one that allowed us to foster a sense of community and togetherness– one which united us all. We look forward to the future events or gatherings that will continue to uplift and inspire us.

by Marissa Williamson and Lucy Campbell