Slideshow: St Benedict’s prize night

Pictured with past students at the St Benedicts College Annual Prizegiving are special guest Dr Mark Sweeney and as wife Colette along with Randalstown PP Fr. Boyle, school principal Mr Sean McAuley and vice-principal Mr Shivers. INBT 42-300JC

Sean McAuley said the event was a celebration of the pupils’ successes.

He paid tribute to pupils’ academic achievements and said the Key Stage 3 results were “very pleasing again this year”.

The top pupils in all four areas were Paige Sheerin – English; Darren Hopkins – Maths; Allen Dungo – Science; and Danielle Madden - ICT.

He informed those gathered that 64% of the school’s Year 12 pupils achieved five or more A* to C grades at GCSE.

“This is a magnificent achievement by our pupils,” he added.

Top students were: Conall Stewart, Grainne Mc Atamney, Caolan Mc Keown, Sinead Letters, Danial Hastings, Sarah O’Boyle, Lauran Dowd, Gintare Ezerskyte, Hannah Kelly, Grainne Martin, Michael Mc Laughlin, Clodagh Gorman, Chloe Bevin, Leanne Martin, Gintare Skurdauskyte, Jordan Mc Mullan, Caragh Robb, Morgan Boyd, Ciaran Bradley, Ruairi Mc Peake and Joseph Webb.

Mr McAuley added that aside from academic studies, pupils are encouraged to avail themselves of the opportunities provided here through extra-curricular activities in areas such as Sport, Music, Drama, Homework Club and Art.

Pictured with Dr Mark Sweeney are multi award winners Sarah OBoyle and Conall Stewart. INBT 42-301JC

He added: “Charities have been high on our list of priorities. Last year we supported Action MS, Trocaire, Children in Crossfire, St Vincent de Paul, Save the Children, Romanian families, Thumbs down for Cancer, Arthritis Care and Action Cancer.”

He also noted sporting achievements including the U-16s reaching the final of the Antrim U-16 Schools Cup against Ballymena Academy, and the Year 12s reaching the O’Hara Cup Final.

He added: “Prize night is an important event in the school calendar. It provides the opportunity to review and reflect on the hard work of the previous year but equally important it provides the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate your success this evening in the company of your parents, teachers and guests.”