Pupils, parents and staff celebrated Oakhill’s Annual Prize Giving on Thursday 26th November in the Sports Hall at Oakhill. Miss Mary Bailey, a former English Teacher at Oakhill, presented the prizes to returning and current pupils, in front of invited guests including the Mayoress of the Ribble Valley, Father Price, governors and members of the Baron family.
The Head Girl, Jessica Chatburn, welcomed the guests with an entertaining speech based on Disney Films, song lyrics and literature trying to convey what an Oakhill education meant to her.
The Chair of Governors, Mr Tony Baron, spoke about the magnificent achievement of the LeJog group who cycled from Land’s End to John O Groats, exceeding their £3,000 target to achieve over £5,000.
The Principal, Mrs Crouch, spoke about the successes of the last year including the excellent inspection report and the individual successes of the returning Year 11 pupils in their GCSEs. Mrs Crouch also paid tribute to Mr Gray, who retired from Oakhill in the summer having spent 36 years working as the Science teacher.Mrs Crouch described Mr Gray asincredibly loyal and faithful. “Of all the members of staff that Oakhill has had he will always be the most respected and revered. When I ask former pupils, young and old, who was their favourite teacher the most common response is Mr Gray.”
Miss Bailey then gave out the prizes, taking time to talk to the pupils and followed this with her remarks about how Oakhill has developed in terms of the facilities but how the high standards had remained and the importance of pupils having good manners, understanding, respect and tolerance in a time when they were very much needed.
The Head Boy, Daniel Riding, then thanked Miss Bailey and members of staff as he spoke about what was important to him as a pupil of Oakhill. In his speech Daniel commented, “I used to think school was all about getting good exam results, but being here has shown me how important the rest of it is: teaching us values like participation, comradery and good humour reinforced by the wide variety of extra-curricular opportunities available.
And last but by no means least, thank you, our parents, for investing in our education, for opening the door to a place where every single, individual is valued and included and for supporting us throughout.”
Between the speeches and Prize Giving we were entertained by a solo on the harp, a singing duet and performances by the orchestra and school band. Following the proceedings there was an extensive buffet which provided an excellent opportunity for parents, staff and pupils to meet once more.
