TOP performing students have been urged to be bold, imaginative and creative as they forge ahead with their plans for life.
International businessman and Richmond MP Rishi Sunak told students at Richmond School and Sixth Form College to trust in their own ideas, like the founders of Google, Apple and Facebook.
Presenting prizes at the school’s annual awards ceremony he added: “Looking at your past pupils I am sure Charles Grey would never have imagined being Prime Minister, nor Lewis Carroll a famous writer but that is what they achieved.
“My grandparents grew up in a village in India with no electricity or running water so it would have been inconceivable that I would end up in the Houses of Parliament. That is the wonderful thing about the future, you do not know where it will lead.”
Mr Sunak told staff, students and their families that he had worked in Silicon Valley where some of the most successful companies had been started by people under the age of 24.
“Never short-change your ambitions,” he said. “Success requires dedication, hard work and a little bit of luck. But dream big, don’t be afraid, it is your vision and the next Charles Grey or Lewis Carroll could be in this room.”
Hosted by head boy and head girl Chris Gill and Lindsay Christison, the ceremony saw Mr Sunak present a host of awards to Year 7 to 13 students for achievements in subjects, the arts, sport, music and science and technology.
Head teacher Ian Robertson said: “Success doesn’t just happen it requires time, dedication and the embedding of the right culture.
“The school’s achievements have been simply outstanding, the best ever, which demonstrates that our students and teachers have worked tirelessly to go that extra mile.”
Cup winners
Btec Sports Cup, Joe Barker
Business and Economics Cup, Max Robson
Creative Arts Cup, Rosie Allis-Moyle
English and Media Cup, Hollie Smith
Humanities Cups, Samya Kelly and Claire Heseltine
ICT Cup Jonathan Graydon
Maths Cup, Peter While
MFL Cup, Sophie Overin
PE Cup, Beth Lightfoot
Performing Arts Cup, Max Ferguson
Science Cup, Paola Osorio
Social Sciences Cup, Megan Ryder
Technology Cup, Hollie Smith
Blenkiron Cup, Hannah Brown
Trustees’ Cup, Georgina Birch
Governors’ Cup, Freya Mawhinney
Head teacher’s Cup Sophie Overin