Miss Laurie Durkin presents the

Sr.de Sales Cup for Modern Languages

to Eimear Kennedy.

Students, teachers, parents and guests gathered just before Christmas to celebrate Our Lady's continued academic success. Guest speaker on the night was Sr Anne Lyng a former pupil of Our Lady's and a member of staff before going to work for the Mercy Order in Africa.

Principal, Ms Geraldine Pettigrew, opening her speech, extended a warm welcome to everyone, to the class of 2007 and their families, the staff of Our Lady's and to guests on the Platform.

Congratulating the student's on their success, Ms Pettigrew said, "You have maintained the exceptionally high standards across the board which have seen Our Lady's placed in the top rank of Northern Ireland schools every year since records began.

"You did this, too, while maintaining a terrific record of involvement in extra-curricular activities. Who can forget last year's brilliant production of "Calamity Jane" or the Ulster and British Gold Medals won in Gymnastics or the County Down Football title won by our senior footballers or that amazing Ulster Senior Camogie title?

"You were central in these and in so many more successes and I want to thank you on this public occasion for all that you contributed throughout your school careers."

Mrs Elmear Cleland presents Irene Rooney with the Sr Antony Curran Bursary

for Special Endeavour.

Sr Anne Lyng presents Sheena Best

with Headgirl trophy.  Included is Ms Geraldine Pettigrew (Principal)

Ms Pettigrew also thanked the staff for their efforts on behalf of the students.  "I know that you would want me to thank on your behalf the exceptional staff of Our Lady's who supported you, challenged you, nurtured you, inside and outside the classroom -throughout all of your years in school and who delight in seeing you move on with such grace and confidence into the next stage of your lives." she said.  "I know that you are very grateful to them and to all who have been part of your school life since you first entered P1.

"We in Our Lady's deeply appreciate all of the excellent work done in our partner Primary Schools and in the High Schools from whom some of our sixth formers come and we deeply appreciate all that your parents and families have given to you and to this school also. We know that we build upon very strong foundations.

"Such building has been going on for many years, on the November 21, just past, we celebrated the 120^th birthday of Our Lady’s, 120 years of Mercy Education, 120 years of scholarship, spirituality and service.

"I have already noted your outstanding academic acumen, the examination success which you have achieved. You have also been very attentive to the spiritual dimension of your education, very faithful in attending liturgies and engaging actively in the prayer life of the school, taking sustenance yourselves from that and giving wonderful example to junior pupils.

"You have supported each other in very difficult times and that, I think, is perhaps the loveliest gift which you have given to us and to each other.

Sr Mary Kelly Bursary winner for Art,

Monica King presented by

Ms Geraldine Pettigrew.