Awards for academic excellence and contribution to the local community were presented to students at a Flintshire high school.

Ysgol Trefynnon, in Holywell, celebrated their annual prize-giving ceremony in front of a packed audience of parents, family members, governors and special guest, Claire Homard, former Flintshire Council chief officer for education and youth, and a former pupil.

Sixty students from all year groups received recognition for their hard work in subjects across the curriculum. All the awards are decided upon by each subject faculty and pastoral staff via a committee discussion.

The John McBrien Award for academic/artistic excellence as well as sporting excellence was presented to Tyler Cartlidge.

John was an ex-student at Holywell High School and was in the sixth form when he tragically died at Hillsborough in 1989, aged just 18. In the summer term the school also runs a memorial five-a-side football competition for local primary pupils in John’s name.

Winning the Chair of Governors award for Best Progress in Year 11 was Nikkita Pickles.

Merit and attendance awards were presented to 30 students; achieving an impressive four year’s full attendance was Mabli Kadelka-Williams, and students with three full years’ attendance were Tom Hone, Ben Powell and Natasha Roberts.

A new award, the HE Jones Memorial Award, was given to Harrison Williams for outstanding abilities in outdoor education. Huw Jones retired two years ago after working at Holywell High School, as it was formerly known, for about 30 years. He passed away earlier this year.

Two members of staff were also recognised at the ceremony. Chris Wilkes received the Gwobr Goffa Ffion Lloyd Ellis Award for Staff in memory of the former teacher, and Michelle Reid received the Ysgol Treffynnon Support Staff Award, a new award voted for by staff at the school.

Guests were entertained by musical items during the evening, including a solo performance by Erin Dodd.

Mark Seale, director of learning for academic, compered the event and speeches were given by John Weir, headteacher, Ray Wells, chair of the interim executive board, and Claire Homard. Brian Purcell from the Liverpool Supporters Club also said a few words when he presented the John McBrien Award.

Mrs Homard, who is the first female chief officer for education and youth in Flintshire, talked fondly about being a former pupil of Holywell High School.

Similarly, Mr Wells talked about “finding the right path” and how, as we grow up, life and priorities change and therefore it is okay to change that path. He said failure is a means to success and it is how we deal with life’s failures that will help us find our way.

Mr Weir said: “It is fantastic to see the amazing achievements of our students, in all areas of school life and in the local community.

“The prize-giving is a highlight in our school calendar and I would like to thank everyone for attending and celebrating this very special evening with us. I also wish to thank staff for their hard work and commitment, and parents and families for their ongoing support.’’