Blessed Trinity fetes great pupils and staff

Mrs Janet Hephrun, who started work at the former St Hilda’s Girls School in 1996, has served for the last eight years as personal assistant to the headteacher.

Current head Mr Richard Varey presented her with a bouquet of flowers as the school also celebrated pupil success at its awards evening.

He said: “We will miss Janet. She has been outstanding and given her all for the school.”

The guest speaker at the awards was Burnley Football Club’s performance psychologist Jennifer Lace, who was recently selected to speak to world leaders at the United Nations to discuss gender equality.

Jennifer said: “I think students need to find something they enjoy and commit to it and, whatever the setbacks, be determined to achieve their dreams.

“You have to have big goals and also stay focused. It wasn’t easy for me but I found the career I wanted, overcame hurdles and am part way through my own journey.”

The Year 7-10 awards, at St Mary’s RC Church, recognised the students who had excelled in their grades, achieved most merits as well as those with top attendance.

Katie Lister won the dance and biology awards, Isabel Maudsley collected the maths and physics awards and Ellen Bibby, the sociology and Spanish prizes.

There were special awards for Saffron Kerr, for Achievement at Work, Rebecca Connell picked up the Duke of Edinburgh award while Kian Bridge won the Leadership award.

Manchester United footballer Naomi Hartley celebrated the Specialist College Sports award while Caitlin Manley won the Humanities prize.

Sundras Hanif celebrated the Contribution to Community award, Emily Baker the Contribution to College Faith Life and the Endeavour award was presented to Owen Webster.

Mr Varey added: “We’ve had a great year but it couldn’t have happened without brilliant teachers and students.”