Wallace High School’s Senior Prize Day is a celebration of excellence, resilience, and achievement. This annual event recognises the outstanding accomplishments of students in academics, extra-curricular activities, and leadership. With inspiring speeches, special awards, and a focus on our CORE values, Prize Day reflects the school’s commitment to fostering success and lifelong learning.
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Prize Day
It was wonderful to welcome back the Class of 2024 to receive their certificates and prizes in recognition of their incredible achievements. This event also celebrates the amazing achievements of our Year 13 in their recent GCSE examinations.
We also saw the return of the much-loved refreshments after Prize Day, which gave staff, students (both former and current), as well as families, the chance to mingle, catch up, and celebrate together.
This year, we were delighted to have former Wallace student, parent, and new Governor, Mr Allen Reid, as our guest speaker. Read on to find out what our Principal, Mrs O’Hare, had to say on her last Senior Prize Day and the advice shared by our guest speaker, Mr Reid.
Principal’s Address
This year, Mrs O’Hare focused on the amazing success of our students in academics and extracurricular activities. Mrs O’Hare remarked, “These achievements reflect both the diligence of our students and the unwavering support of our staff.”
With our Leavers (former Year 14 students), higher education remains a popular pathway, with students progressing to top institutions like Cambridge, Queen’s University Belfast, and various Russell Group universities. Additionally, three students commenced undergraduate studies in the USA. Careers in medical sciences, business, and computer science were the most pursued fields.
The school celebrated cultural and extracurricular activities, including a year filled with musical highlights such as the Junior Choir’s performances and the annual Songs from the Musicals concert. Public speaking and debating successes were numerous, with the Sixth Form team crowned NI Champions and representing Northern Ireland in the UK finals. The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme saw 114 students participating at the Bronze level alone.
In sports, students achieved remarkable results. The boys’ 1st XI hockey team won the Irish Schools’ competition, and the Senior A netball team secured the NI Division 1 League title. Rugby, cricket, and other sports also saw significant victories. We were also delighted to see the success of former Wallace athletes in the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Sustainability and innovation were key themes, with the school earning recognition for its solar panel project and CyberFirst accreditation. Mrs O’Hare went on to mention the ongoing £2.9 million of sustainability works that have recently begun at Wallace. The Principal also highlighted the balance between academic rigour and skill development, stating, “Wallace students demonstrate determination, humility, agility, and resilience.”
Concluding, Mrs O’Hare expressed pride in the community’s collective efforts: “Our students are a credit to their families and staff. Wallace is a school that fosters success and prepares young people for bright futures.”
Guest Speaker’s Address
Mr Reid began his address by reflecting on his own time as a student at Wallace High School.
“Back in the 90s, we didn’t have TikTok or iPhones, but we did have incredible teachers like Mr Reid, Mrs Carson, and Mrs Weir. Reflecting on those days, I recall Mr Glenn as a friend in the year above me and Mr Armstrong as my Prefect Locker Duty partner.
Career choices are often tough. At Wallace, I was fortunate to have options like Medicine, Engineering, and Maths. Ultimately, I chose Maths at Queen’s University, though it wasn’t always easy. As the Japanese proverb says, ‘If you get on the wrong train, get off at the nearest station.’ Sometimes, though, perseverance is key. I stayed the course, graduated with First Class Honours, and found new opportunities ahead.”
Mr Reid is the Group Finance Director at Henry Brothers, one of Northern Ireland’s leading construction firms. He remarked that, “This role has taught me the value of hard work, collaboration, and the ability to adapt to change.”
Mr Reid went on to offer some sgae advice from his own experiences beyond Wallace. He highlighted the following:
- Decision-Making: Take time to evaluate your options thoroughly. Use plans, maps, and gut instincts to guide your direction.
- Resilience and Attitude: Approach challenges with perseverance and positivity. As Churchill said, “Attitude is a little word that makes a big difference.”
- Growth Mindset: Embrace challenges and work hard, drawing on Wallace’s culture of target-setting and a growth mindset.
- Keep Options Open: Aim for strong positions in your career to maintain flexibility and avoid dead ends.
- Seize Opportunities: Be ready to act when the right chance comes along, embodying Wallace’s value of “Opportunity.”
- Adapt to Change: Be agile in the face of inevitable change. Pivot when necessary, as many did during the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Lifelong Learning: Stay on the move by continuing professional development—“Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you sit still.”
- Networking and Collaboration: Build connections, seek advice, and collaborate, but ultimately trust yourself and back your own decisions.
In conclusion, he shared with the audience his final thoughts:
“Lastly, treasure your Wallace friendships—they’re invaluable. Congratulations on your achievements and remember: Your future is what you make it, so make it a great one!”
Concluding Thoughts
Reflecting on this wonderful afternoon of celebration, Mrs O’Hare stated:
“We take great pride in celebrating the success of our current and former students. We wish the Class of 2024 the very best for the future, and we look forward to hearing about their achievements beyond Wallace. I wish to thank all the parents who were able to attend today.”
You can keep up to date with life at Wallace via http://www.instagram.com/wallacehighlisburn
Last modified: January 15, 2025
