On Tuesday 25 June at the Rose Theatre in Kingston, the Senior School held its 140th Prize Giving Ceremony. The evening celebrated a wide range of Achievement, Endeavour, and Progress accomplishments, together with a host of subject awards and sporting achievements being recognised across all year groups. Our Master of Ceremonies was Mr Ade Mckeon, Chair of the Local Governing Body who shared his pleasure at being able to spend the evening with such hard-working and focussed pupils. He was sad to announce that this would be his last Prize Giving as he was stepping down from his role.
Our Principal, Rebecca Glover, gave an inspirational speech with six top tips on navigating one’s way through life. Firstly, she quoted Doctor Benjamin E Mays “It isn’t a calamity to die with dreams unfulfilled, but it is a calamity to not to dream…..”. Secondly, do not underestimate the importance of routine when things get difficult, thirdly, do not lose sight of the bigger picture. Fourthly, do any job, any role to the very best of your ability if you want to be successful in life. Fifthly, to recognise the importance of family and friends and, finally, to look after time because it is such a precious commodity.
We were entertained by the Flux Dance Company with their dance piece entitled “Jumpin Jack!” and Surbiton Choralia and Surbiton Koro performed One Four Zero Years and an a capella piece “What happens when a woman” by Alexandra Olsavsky of Artemisia.
Our guest speaker, Professor Jo Yarker (1995), shared her journey from Surbiton High School, where she developed a passion for rowing, culminating in her representing both Wales and Great Britain. She went on to study Psychology at Leeds, continuing her postgraduate studies at Nottingham. She shared that her fascination with what makes work fulfilling (or not!) started early, watching commuters hurry through Surbiton station on their way to work – some with a spring in their step, while others carried the weight of the world. This led her to balance a career in academia and consultancy that tries to answer tricky questions about what helps people thrive at work. She advised us all to take care of ourselves, as we will all be working until we are much older, by prioritising healthy habits, staying connected, and giving back to the community.
Outgoing Head Girl, Holly talked about starting School as a nervous duckling in Year 7 but quickly making friends, joining trips, and conquering many unknowns, like zip wiring over the jungle in Costa Rica and completing the Year 13 Gold DofE expedition, which increased her confidence. Her passion for Art and Drama has grown over the past 7 years and she expressed her gratitude to the staff who have given her such unforgettable opportunities. She ended her speech by saying how much she genuinely loved her time at Surbiton and reflected that she leaves as a fully grown duck – ready to fly from this pond and venture to the next!
Our incoming Head Girl, Talia thanked the guest speaker for her thought-provoking speech, Holly for being such an outstanding Head Girl, and Mrs Glover for being such an inspirational role model.
Our Prize Giving Ceremony truly celebrates the Surbiton High School spirit and as Mrs. Glover ended her speech, we hope that in the words of the School motto – may love always lead us.
Learn more about Surbiton High School.
