by Mickey Ferry
After almost two months of waiting, students across the Strabane district gathered together last Thursday morning at their respective schools to receive their A-S and A' Level results.
Jubilant scenes at both the Strabane Grammar and the soon-to-opened Holy Cross College signified a more than impressive year for the students.
An endless flow of A's and B's graced the sheets of paper grasped in the hands of many delighted students from both schools.
Holy Cross College Vice Principa, Martin Haughey, commended the students and their teachers, and was convinced that these results will only be of benefit to Strabane and District as a whole.
"We would like to congratulate our A' level students who by their hard work and commitment to their studies have acquitted themselves so well.
117 students sat 338 subject examinations recording a very pleasing 98 percent pass rate.
On this performance the vast majority will progress to the course of their choice in higher education.
"84 percent of grades fell within the A to C category with 24 percent of all grades falling in the A band.
36 percent of all grades were B's bringing the combined total of A's and B's to 60 percent.
Three of our students achieved 4 A's, 9 had 3 A's or better and 34 had 3 B's or better.
"We are delighted with the success of our students and we would like to extend our profound thanks and appreciation to their teachers and parents for their hard work and unwavering support.
"These results augur very well for the future economic, educational and social development of Strabane and District," said Mr Haughey.
At Strabane Grammar, principal Lewis Lacey welcomed another year of excelling achievement, and also singled out a number of individuals for special praise.
"We are celebrating another year of outstanding results.
"Almost 90 percent of grades at AS level were in the A-C category and over 70 percent of the year group gained at least 3 grade Cs.
"So many individuals excelled that there would be too many to name.
However the pupils who achieved three or more grade A's were: Adam Bjourson; Neil Cooper; Karen Kelly; Philip Lee; Lauren McLaughlin; Megan Rutherford and Robert Spratt.
He added, "These results are the culmination of years of hard work and commitment by staff and pupils, as well as the support of parents and family.
"They will enable the pupils to proceed to the next level of their education which they so richly deserve," Mr Lacey enthused.
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