PRIZE-WINNING pupils took centre stage at St Stephen's High as the school celebrated a year of achievement.

Their annual prizegiving on not only recognised academic attainment but also acknowledged the wider achievements of the young people, with 75 awards handed out on the night.

There was a full house including proud parents as the pupils from the Port secondary took a well-earned bow.

Depute head teacher Clare McKinney said: “The ceremony is a big event in the school calendar.

"We have such a range of talent in the school and we are very proud of all the pupils.

“Families and invited guests attended the ceremony and we celebrated and recognised the talent of the pupils.

"It was an evening enjoyed by all and the pupils can feel proud of everything they have achieved.”

The ceremony began with a report from head teacher Robert Carroll before principal speaker, ex-pupil, journalist and former Tele reporter Paul English, addressed the audience.

There was also a musical presentation by Charlie Scott, Charleigh McIntyre and Rachael Hagan.

Main prizes included the West College Award which went to Kian Jamieson.

The community learning and development prize was picked up by Sophie Mullen while the proxime accessit title went to Chloe Duncan and Emily Stevenson and the dux award was presented to Jonathan Heron.

The Holy Family St Vincent de Paul Society award for contribution to Catholic ethos of the school was announced on the night and awarded to Zoe Dickson.

The Jim Cattigan Leadership Award went to Anna Hemphill, the John Hutchison Award for personal development was received by Molly McGerr and the Monica Duncan Award was given to Bethany White.

Mrs McKinney said: “We always have a focus each week and last week’s was celebrating success and achievement so the awards night was a fitting way to complete the week.

“Paul English was fantastic as our principal speaker and delivered a speech that was enjoyed by the invited guests, parents and pupils alike.

"As a former pupil he had many humorous stories to tell the prize-winners however he tied these in with the life lessons school taught him."