Ashton pay tribute to retiring vice principal at awards day

ASHTON School held their annual awards ceremony recently. This year’s ceremony was particularly poignant as the guest of honour was Anne Marie Hewison, the school’s Deputy Principal who retired from the role in November.

This opportunity to celebrate school life was attended by the board of management, staff, students and parents.

Principal Adrian Landen acknowledged the contribution of teachers, students, parents and ancillary staff on the successful co-ordination of the school on a daily basis. He went on to state that the day was an opportunity to acknowledge, celebrate and be proud of the students’ achievements. He also stressed the purpose of the awards ceremony was not alone to celebrate excellence, but also to inspire those who were not receiving prizes to pursue something new for themselves and to aim for future success.

Guest of honour Ms Hewison, spoke warmly and enthusiastically to students in her address, regaling the crowd with anecdotes about school life.

She fondly recalled memories of her time at Ashton School and imparted some final words of wisdom. Representatives from the school community including John Deane, chairperson of the Board of Management, Mr Landen, and students paid tribute to Ms Hewison and her dedication to the school community.

Awards were presented by Mr Landen, Deputy Principal Designate Richard Lester, and teachers Joanne Power and Clíona Savage, with warm words of congratulations extended to each student recipient.

The Rochelle Trophy, awarded for excellent results in the Junior Cycle Examinations, was presented to James Cotter. The Des Deasy Memorial Trophy for Engineering was awarded to Mark Vertiporoh, with the Cox Perpetual Trophy for European Languages presented to Elizabeth Cotter. The Hipwell Trophy for Business Subjects went to Ian Molloy. Dylan Bryan received the Burke Trophy for Technical Subjects, while the Corn Mhic Uistin award for Irish language and culture went to Eoin Fitzpatrick. Donncha O’Connell was presented with the Corn an Amhairginigh award for written Irish while the Shereen Gokul Memorial Trophy for Girl’s Hockey was awarded to Kerri Higgins. Jim White received the Andrew Chambers Memorial Trophy for Boy’s Hockey, with Sophie Ruddock being presented with the Ashton School Players Award for Contribution to the Performing Arts.