In an eloquent prize giving speech, Neil Morton, Principal of Portora Royal school, declared that without the support of the community the school itself could not succeed.
"Clearly, the community has trust in us. Clearly, the community expects us to support, direct and encourage our students to levels of excellence in many areas. Clearly, we can fulfil those expectations," Mr Morton explained.
He went on to say that days like this (prize giving) offered an opportunity to take stock of how far the school has come.
"Over the years", he s aid, " we have come to experience education as a great expanse of sand, shifting and difficult to navigate, but once you reach the top of dune, the view is breathtaking. Today, I feel we have reached the top of one of the many dunes."
He went on to praise the academic performance of the students in the school, describing them as a 'population of talented and capable young men.'
"Now, it would be wrong of me to indicate that they were all dedicated to achieving academic excellence every moment, but they have an impressive work ethic. They are deeply involved in their communities, many have part time jobs which they combine with training for a sport at a high level and, when they begin to sniff the adrenaline of urgency before GCSE and A levels, they know how to focus and achieve."
Mr Morton went on to explain that the school was about much more than just the exam results , rather about shaping the individual;
"In a sense", he went on, "that is what we are about. Our students find success in academic, sporting and cultural environments which radiate out from the school. Their success is the expression of individual talent enriched by contact with others."
OUTLOOK
He further expanded his point by stressing the need of the, 'broaden the outlook.'
"Unless", he stated, "we serve a greater purpose than that of generating examination statistics, we cannot claim to be a great school. The challenge is to broaden the outlook and expectations of young men, and we are up to it."
Mr Morton went on to single out the achievement of gaining 'Specialist School' status in Art, the moving image, Music and Drama. He explained how this opened up new doors to students and presented greater opportunity for the school to offer new courses.
He also drew his audience's attention to the fact that pupils from other schools as well as members of the community utilised the school's resources, and he revealed that the school had 'gone as far as having our first wedding in the school,' which he described as a notable success.
The Principal finished his speech by alluding to the special year that lies ahead for Portora Royal:
"Next year, the five remaining Royal Schools celebrate the quarter centenary of the granting of the Royal Charter by James I. A history of the schools will be available and, through the year, there will be a number of special events. This initiative was ours", he stated before concluding.
"Again, here we have another community to which we are proud to belong to and to which we give leadership. Portora is a flourishing community and a valuable community resource. Not just a set of buildings available to anything from feiseanna to weddings, but a rich network of talents and aptitudes exercised for the wider good."
