New principal pays tribute to Larne Grammar staff and pupils
That was the message from the school’s newly appointed principal, Jonathan Wylie, at the recent prize-giving night, where he congratulated all those present on their “remarkable” achievements.
Mr Wylie, who succeeded former principal John Wilson at the start of the term, also paid tribute to his predecessor for his 11 years of service to the school.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe added: “John was a man who was passionate about providing the pupils of Larne Grammar School with the best possible educational opportunities and I would like to wish him a long and happy retirement.”
The special guest at the prize giving night was Sammy Wilson MP, a former colleague of Mr Wylie’s at Grosvenor Grammar School.
Mr Wylie, former vice-principal at Grosvenor said: “My first year as a teacher in Grosvenor Grammar School coincided with Sammy’s final year in the school. As he left to take up his position as an elected member of the new Northern Ireland Assembly, most expected to see him return to resume his teaching responsibilities before too long, such was the uncertainty surrounding the future of the fledgling institution.
“It is remarkable to reflect on just how far we have come as a society in the intervening fourteen years and I think it would be fair to say that now no-one is expecting to see Sammy back in a classroom anytime soon.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdSpeaking about the this year’s exam results, Mr Wylie said: “The quality of the A Level results was such that the majority of pupils secured the university place of their choice. On behalf of everyone associated with the school I would like to wish our Year 14 students all the best as they leave us to commence university or their chosen career. We look forward to hearing of their future successes.
“If anything, the AS results were even more impressive, with 60 per cent of entries awarded either an A or a B grade. With continued focus and hard work our new Year 14 students can look forward to converting the marks they gained in their AS modules into excellent A Level grades.
“GCSE results day prompted further celebrations within the school, as a total of 43 per cent of entries were awarded either an A* or an A grade. As a result of these outstanding grades, we were able to welcome the vast majority of our Year 12 pupils back into Year 13 to begin their A Level studies.”
But Mr Wylie praised all pupils, not just the high achievers, and said success could be found in a C grade as well as in an A*. “The challenge I give to our pupils is to strive to be the best that they can be so that they can take pride in their achievements knowing that they have fulfilled their potential,” he added.
Special awards
Year 8
Margaret Crawford Prize: Andrew Morton
Valerie Woodside Cup: Chloe McIlroy
Robert Gordon Memorial Cup: Katie Doey, Jonathan Farquhar
Year 9
John Blair Prizes: Jack Carson, Courtney Hawthorn
Year 10
Lady Dixon Prize: Rebecca Wharry
Sir Thomas Dixon Prize: Paul Cameron
Brian Blair Memorial Prize: Rebecca Wharry
John Esler Medal: Rebecca Wharry
Year 11‑
Eileen Gordon Prizes: Melanie Hamilton, Calum McKay
Ruby Crawford Prize: Jocelyn Hill
TS Boyle Prize: Katy Tweed
Year 12
Captain J A B Carson Scholarship: Judith Cameron
Crawford Exhibition: David Roberts
Captain Alan Gingles Memorial Prize: Kirsty McKinty
Northern Bank Cup: Brittany Le Roux
Steele Trophy: Lauren Cameron
Dean Fair Memorial Prize: Kirsty McKinty
Hamill Cup: Kerrie Anderson
Jean McAuley Cup: Kirsty McKinty
FG Wilson Technology and Design Award: Judith Cameron
Williamson Prize: Jasmine Baart
McCurdy Memorial Cup: Jenna Guthrie
John Esler Medal: Sophie Johnston
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdWhiteford Geoservices Cup: Sarah Booth, Scott Copeland, Hannah Gibb, Emma Robinson
Norman Allen Cup: Lauren Cameron
Year 13
Robert Irwin Prize: Aisling Madden Principal’s Prizes: Amy Beggs, Stephanie Bradbury, Elizabeth Brown, Sara Coulter, Sarah Hunter, Bethany McDowell
Rachel Magill Memorial Cup: Aoife Thornton
Ida McGeown Scholarship: Olivia Gillespie, Sarah Hunter
Reunion Cup: Claire Taggart
Lawson Cup: Eden Wilson
Year 14
George McAuley Memorial Cup: Kirsten McCully
Magill Scholarship: Clare McKay
Lt Col H W Carson Scholarship: Kim Hamilton
McFerran Prize: Craig Agnew
Howden Prize: Scott McClelland, David Murray
Atkinson Prize: Kiera McGarry
Governors’ Prize: Zoe Buchanan, Louise Maxwell, Sam McDonald, Tammy McNeilly, Scott Morris, Kathryn Perry
The Engineering Bursary: Christopher Graham
Miss McKinley Memorial Prize: Sarah Webb
TS Boyle Prize: Louise Maxwell
Tom McKinley Prize: Craig Agnew
Benson Prize: Kim Hamilton
Boyd Prize: Kim Hamilton
Dorman Prize: Scott McClelland
Dr Cosgrave Memorial Cup: Kim Hamilton
Gray Salver: Kiera McGarry
Lynas Prize: Jill Gray
DJ Thompson Prize: Paul Ferguson
McKinley Cup: Daniel McCormack
Morrow Cup: Kiera McGarry
STBE Shield: Scott McClelland
FG Wilson Prize: Karl Stewart