Prizegiving 2006: Leavers leave in style

Wonderful weather added to the excitement of the end of term celebrations and the new style Prizegiving Day was extremely well received by the students and their parents.

The celebrations began on the Friday evening with a moving Leavers' Service in the Memorial Hall, followed by a sparkling drinks party in the School grounds, a three-course candlelit dinner in a marquee, with live music and a casino for all to have fun.

All the pupils and their parents had been invited to attend the morning Prizegiving in the beautiful Memorial Hall, which looked fabulous with the bright sunshine streaming in through the lead paned windows, and the lavish floral displays. The talented Pipe Band played Highland Cathedral, and this was followed by a fast, foot-tapping display from the Samba Drums team, which lifted everyone's spirits. If, sadly, you couldn't be there, the Samba Drums feature in a 3-minute advert, so please take a look.

Three excellent addresses followed: the Chairman of the Board of Governors, Charles Abram, began with a warm welcome and a report, followed by two witty and thought provoking speeches by the Headmaster on challenge, adventure and creativity, and by Merchistonian Sir Peter Burt on the importance of failure. Prizes were awarded to 126 pupils (including the First Prizegiving the previous evening) and the Upper Sixth received their Merchistonian ties from the Headmaster in their graduation ceremony.

All this in just under an hour and a half, and more was to follow: an outstanding Art display to view, the Pipe Band playing outside, and drinks and sandwiches on the Gibson Lawn. Long gone are the more traditional Prizegiving events after which one leaves the school as quickly as possible! Here to stay is a much more interesting day, which showcases some of the talents within the School, and pupils leave the School in style, with happy memories!

Excellent organisation was by Fergus West and Nigel Rickard, along with the Headmaster's PA, Sharon Dow, and the catering team. Make sure you don't miss out next year; parents are already asking for the date for their diary!