THE inaugural Matthew Starkey Spirit of Giving Award was presented at the recent St Colman’s High and Sixth Form College prizegiving day.
Introduced in memory of the late Business Studies, ICT, and PE teacher, who passed away in the summer, the accolade was given to Abdi’s Abseilers, a group of seven students who came together to raise over £7,700 to support their friend and fellow pupil during illness.
The award’s aim is to recognise compassion and courage in support of others, and its first recipients were praised for their “determination and solidarity,” which had “captured the hearts of the entire school community, exemplifying the Ballynahinch school’s values of ‘Achieve, Believe, Belong’.”
Speaking at the prizegiving, principal Jennifer King said that Mr Starkey had “embodied everything our school vision stands for.”
“He first came to us as a student teacher, full of passion and purpose, and from the very start, he belonged here,” she stated.
“When the chance came to return to the school he loved, he grabbed it with both hands, eager to make his mark and give back to the community that had helped shape his craft as a teacher.
“Matthew threw himself into every aspect of school life – not only the subjects he taught, but in extracurricular clubs, school events and fundraising activities, he did it all with enthusiasm and care.
“Always sharply dressed, with that brilliant smile and a kind word for everyone, he had a warmth that drew people in.”
The principal stressed that, when Mr Starkey was suddenly diagnosed with terminal cancer, “his courage and selflessness shone through.”
“Even in the most difficult moments, Matthew continued to think of others,” she added.
“He was, in every sense, a role model – someone who taught from the heart, who cared deeply for others and who made a difference every single day.
“He inspired his students to achieve, helped them to believe in their own worth and created a classroom – and a school – where everyone felt they belonged.
“Matthew’s legacy will live on in the laughter, kindness and spirit he brought to our whole school community.
“We are grateful for the time we had with him, and he will always be remembered with love and pride by everyone who knew him.”
A school statement said that the entire St Colman’s community had been “deeply saddened by the loss of our esteemed teacher, colleague and friend, Mr Matthew Starkey.”
“An absolute gentleman, Matthew was loved by pupils and colleagues alike,” it read. “He will be remembered not only for his professionalism and integrity but for the exceptional role model he was to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
“His influence reached far beyond the classroom, where he taught Business Studies, ICT and PE.
“His dedication to the pastoral care of students, his leadership in afterschool basketball, involvement in the Young Enterprise Programme, selfless volunteering on school trips and residentials, and his unwavering commitment to fundraising for charities – all of these reflect the heart he gave to our school.”
St Colman’s Prize Day
The statement highlighted that – in Mr Starkey’s memory, on the weekend of the Belfast Half-marathon, which he had planned to participate in despite his illness – 40 members of school staff undertook a six-hour fundraising marathon relay on cycling, rowing, and running machines provided by DT Fitness.
The atmosphere in the school on the day was described as “electric,” with pupils “lining the corridors to cheer staff on,” and over £1,800 was raised for the Friends of the Cancer Centre.
“This event brought out the very best of St Colman’s – energy, spirit, teamwork, and unity,” the statement concluded.
“In both his life and in the way he was honoured, our memories of Mr Starkey are clear – he brought people together, inspired the best in those around him and reminded us that community, compassion, and determination matter most.
“St Colman’s has lost a remarkable teacher, but his example will live on in the lives of those he shaped.”
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