THE ACHIEVEMENTS of pupils at Prince Henry’s High School were celebrated at their annual Speech Day and Prize Giving Ceremony.
More than 100 students were given prizes at the event on Friday, July 1 as the Victoria Avenue school reflected on another successful year and put the achievements of their pupils in the spotlight.
Guest speakers Sue Sollis and Debbie Edmondson, Trustees of the Tracy Sollis Leukaemia Trust, addressed the packed audience of prize winners, their families, local dignitaries, prize donors and staff.
In her speech, Sue spoke movingly about her daughter Tracy, who was a pupil at Prince Henry’s from 1992 until 1995 before losing her courageous battle with leukemia. She spoke of how she was determined that, in line with Tracy’s wishes, some good must come from this tragedy.
And Debbie Edmondson, who was Tracy’s best friend at the school, spoke about the impact her friendship with Tracy had made on her life. Debbie also said how only 20 years ago she was sat where the pupils were.
At the event, the school handed over a cheque for £1,400 to Sue Sollis by members of the Interact group. The money had been raised from a number of fundraising activities that had been carried out throughout the year.
Prince Henry’s Headteacher, Dr Tony Evans, said: “Speech Day is always a highlight in our school calendar and it is always a pleasure to celebrate the success of our students with their families and friends.
“We felt particularly proud and privileged this year to be able to be able to welcome Sue Sollis and Debbie Edmondson back to Prince Henry’s and to see first hand the very strong connection they still feel with the school.
“The story of Tracy Sollis and the Foundation that bears her name is one that deeply touched all of us who were in the audience, and I am delighted that Prince Henry’s students, through their fundraising efforts this year, have been able to contribute to the wonderful work that the Tracy Sollis Leukaemia Trust does.”
