Beaminster School pupils are the stars at ceremony (From Thisisdorset)

Beaminster School pupils are the stars at ceremony

10:00am Thursday 4th October 2012 in Latest By Rene Gerryts

IT was a night to give praise where it was due and to celebrate the achievements of hard-working students from Beaminster School.

And their guest speaker was a man who knows all about taking opportunities.

Masterchef winner 2009 Mat Follas told pupils it was important to grab those opportunities and see where they lead.

He said he has had different careers in his life but is now following his dream and while it might not be as lucrative as other jobs he has had, he has no regrets. Headteacher Mike Best said it was a really enjoyable evening.

He said: “The hall was packed and it was a heart-warming occasion. While the stars were the students, the supporting cast of parents and staff came in for a lot of praise too.

“The underlying message is clear, that this is a great school and that our students achieve their potential – and more. “As students received their awards we said a few words about them and to be honest, the best part of the evening is watching them receive the praise and step up to podium. Mat Follas hit exactly the right note as our special guest speaker and he was listened to avidly. “He spoke of the need to have the confidence to see opportunities and to be prepared to take risks which offer personal fulfilment. As he reminded us, there will be no such thing as a single career path in the future.

“It’s a family celebration and we are proud of them all. “And like a family, we think that progress and effort are as important as excellence and attainment. “Our thanks go to everybody involved, especially our musicians who also put on a great performance during the evening. “ Fenne Rainbow and Lisa-Marie House both played music.