*Photos by Amy O'Brien**

PUPILS rounded off the school year picked up their pom poms for a musical extravaganza.

Audiences clapped along with glee as the talented young performers at Notre Dame High acted, sang and danced their way through their excellent production of 'High School Musical'.

Gerard Gordon, principal teacher of music at the school, said the pupils were a credit to the school and the community for all the hard work and effort they put in to the show.

He said: "The show is an opportunity for young people from all of the different age groups to come together and form friendships and make memories that will last a lifetime.

"They develop their performance skills, confidence and self-belief and use their gifts and talents not only to entertain others, but to raise money for good causes too.

"Pupils in the school helped with the choreography and also by making props and costumes, building sets, painting sets, working 'front of house' selling programmes, raffle tickets, refreshments and ushering."

Over the course of the show's three-day run, over 800 people came along.

Mr Gordon added: "There were 70 pupils on stage and another 12-20 working at front of house or backstage.

"We also had huge assistance from former pupils who helped with technical aspects of the show, ran the lights and stage managed the performances.

"We are used to producing more traditional musicals so this was a welcome change for our cast and audiences who appreciated the variety."

Anna Smith was awarded this year's coveted 'Drama Student of the Year' award, voted for by the cast for contribution to drama.

The school also used the show as an opportunity to raise money for little Max McCorkindale, a two-year-old boy who suffers from a rare genetic disease.

Local people have pledged thousands of pounds to an appeal fund for Max, who has defied doctors and is receiving a new drug to help him live longer.

The school raised over £500 for the appeal and also gathered money for Ardgowan Hospice, and woukd like to thank everyone who contributed.