The final special event of our 150th anniversary year took place last Friday 27 June, in glorious sunshine overlooking our equally glorious grounds.
It was a truly memorable occasion and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate everything our school stands for.
As Ms Davies said, “This afternoon we are celebrating individuals, but I also want to recognise the collective achievements of our whole community who live out our school values every day. We are proud, we aspire, we empower one another and, crucially, we are kind, and I believe, this is what makes our school unique. We look forward to our future with hope and with confidence.
The story of Croydon High is still being written, the next 150 years starts now. So, I say to all our pupils, it is your achievements, your courage, and your voices that will shape its next chapter. I challenge you to continue to aspire without limits. And to make history.”
This message was certainly echoed by our wonderful guest speaker, Baroness Gabby Bertin, alumna and former Head Girl and now a dedicated campaigner in the House of Lords, championing causes very close to our school’s heart. Baroness Bertin spoke passionately and inspiringly about her work, crediting so much of her aspiration and determination to the school she so clearly still loves. She gave generously of her time after the awards ceremony, chatting to pupils and families and was clearly delighted to be back at Croydon High.
Our Head Girls Suzie and Lily-Belle delivered exceptional speeches acknowledging some of the highlights of our anniversary year and encouraging us all to feel proud of our individual contributions.
Baroness Bertin said after the event, “It really was a huge honour, and I have been on Cloud 9 ever since. The girls completely blew me away, and I felt so proud of them and the school.”
Congratulations to all our prize winners and to everyone who worked so hard to make this such a wonderfully celebratory afternoon.
Mrs Fran Cook
Director of External Relations and Philanthropy
