Speech Day at Monmouth School for Boys was an incredible occasion – despite a key speaker missing from the platform.
Headmaster, Mr Simon Dorman, delivered his excellent speech via a pre-recorded video message after being struck down with Covid-19.
Old Monmothian, Mr Richard Booth QC, was an excellent guest speaker as teachers, pupils, parents and staff joined together to celebrate a fantastic and memorable school year.
Catering manager, Mrs Karen Wood, was recognised for her hard work behind the scenes to keep the boys and staff fed with healthy, nutritional meals.
Even during the pandemic and lockdowns, Mrs Wood and her dedicated team worked every day to look after the boys and there was loud applause and cheers from the audience as people acknowledged her dedication and efforts during a very demanding period of time.
A highlight was the inspirational speech from the Head Boy, Theo, who shared how Monmouth had given him “life-long memories” that would set him up for the next stage of his journey.
He told the audience how teachers had helped him gain not only vital academic intelligence, but also key emotional intelligence and practical, real-world knowledge.
Theo spoke about the great resilience of his fellow pupils and the grit and determination they showed in everything they faced.
He said: “You only have to read of the great and wide-ranging successes this year to understand that you don’t achieve any of that stuff without trying…and then trying…and then trying again.”
Mr Dorman praised pupils and staff for the great success across all areas of school life, especially the sporting achievements.
He gave a special mention to the academic staff who had worked so hard to teach the boys during the Covid-19 pandemic and thanked the support staff who had worked tirelessly, 24/7, throughout the calendar year to provide the best possible environment for the boys to thrive.
The main speaker, Richard Booth QC, told the audience that Monmouth was a great school. Mr Booth said it was only because of the education he received at Monmouth that he is now doing his dream job.
He thanked all parents in the audience for the financial sacrifices they are making to send their boys to Monmouth and said he could testify personally that it would be worth it.
He said: “What makes Monmouth a great school? You all do. There remains an unparalleled mix of pupils at Monmouth. It does not feel like any other independent school…..you will come out confident but not arrogant, humble, remembering where you have come from but seeing there is no limit to what you might achieve…..I ask you merely to be kind to each other, to look out for each other and to give your time freely to others.”
Speeches were also made by Old Monmothian, Reverend James Power, The Master of the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers; and Lord Moynihan, Chair of Governors.