A NEWCASTLE school recently hosted two special events to celebrate its students.
Shimna Integrated College held two Celebration Evenings last week at the school to recognise the achievements of its students across the previous school year.
The events were full of stories, music, poetry, plenty of laughter and a few tears.
While many students were recognised for their outstanding work and behaviour, nine students were presented with special awards for exceptional achievement.
Conall King received the Senior Boys Sports Player of the Year award, while Kari Foster received the Senior Girls Sports Player of the Year award.
Fahlin Murphy-McKibbin received the Junior Boys Sports Player of the Year award and Aoife Grant was named Junior Girls Sports Player of the Year.
The Derek Bailey Cup for Resilience was presented to Nicole Campbell in the Senior category and to Lauren McConnell and Summer Parkinson in the Junior category.
The Baroness Blood Award for Community Activism in the Senior category was given to Zara Lyons, for her fundraising efforts on behalf of the Regional Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit in Belfast.
The Baroness Blood Award for Community Activism in the Junior category was given to Charlie Rice for his fundraising efforts on behalf of the 1st Newcastle Scouts.
Principal Steve Pagan said: “Our students deserve high praise for their outstanding achievements last year.
“They are tremendous role models and a credit to their families.
“It is a privilege to serve as principal of this wonderful school, situated in this wonderful town.”
During the events, the school principal also took the opportunity to thank both staff and members of the local community for their teamwork as Shimna moved into its new £28 million building half-way through the 2024-2025 school year.
He thanked the leaders of the local churches in Newcastle, Greenhill YMCA, the Harbour Heritage Project, Mourne Mountain Rescue Team and Ark Community Gardens for their tremendous support with the decant of the old building.
This feat, he said, was indicative of the powerful sense of community partnership in the town.
