Last night, we celebrated the fantastic students who achieved their Gold Stella Maris Leadership Award. The annual ceremony is a recognition of the hard work and dedication of the students over the last two years.
This year, an impressive 64 students earnt their award, which is recognised by a star shaped badge and certificate. As part of the Gold Award, students must go above and beyond; achieving their Bronze and Silver Awards, earn commendations virtues from all four categories (intellectual, moral, civic, and performance), and complete the Gold Award initiative or organise an event independently. For example, two students set up and led on a weekly dance group for girls aged 10-16 on their own initiative and managed a social media group for The Gambian Welfare Society fostering community spirit and joy for everyone who took part.
The evening began with a welcome from Principal Justine Barlow, followed by a reading from Monsignor Paul Grogan, an address from Christopher Devanny, the Religious Education Co-ordinator for Schools, and a prayer from Maria Coyle, Notre Dame's Stella Maris Lead.
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| Justine Barlow, Principal |
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| Chris Devanny, Religious Education Co-ordinator for Schools |
Throughout the ceremony, there was beautiful music from the student choir, led by Michael Burt, and a performance of Glorious Day by the College Worship Band.
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| College Worship Band |
The Chapel was full of friends and families who have supported the students over the past two years on their Stella Maris Leadership Award journey. It was wonderful to see so many proud loved ones. The Stella Maris Leadership Award is endorsed by all four Catholic universities - Leeds Trinity University, Liverpool Hope University, St Mary's University Twickenham, and Birmingham Newman University. Last night we welcomed in representatives from both Leeds Trinity and Liverpool Hope, and it was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the students' commitment to the award and virtues, becoming the leaders of tomorrow.
The evening continued in the Upper Study Area for students and guests to come together in celebration of what has been achieved with official photographs for students to remember the night.
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Huge well done to all the students who achieved their Gold Award, and thank you to all of our guests for celebrating their success.
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| Flowers from Ivy Florist |
If you would like to find out more about the Stella Maris Leadership Award please click here.
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