THE chief executive of etiquette and society guide publisher Debrett’s returned to her old school in Menston for an A-level presentation evening.

Past St Mary’s student, Joanne Milner, joined students, parents and staff at the school for the annual presentation evening.

Ms Milner was a student at St Mary’s from 1987 to 1994.

Just over two years ago she was appointed chief executive of Debrett’s, responsible for positioning its contemporary interpretation in the UK while also leading its global expansion.

Founded in 1769, the company is best known for its Peerage and Baronetage guide, and guides to correct etiquette, forms of address and British high society events.

St Mary’s A-level results obtained in the summer enabled 86 per cent of the students to go to university to embark on their chosen degree courses.

Wharfedale Observer:

Award winners Gabriella Roberts and Freya O’Connor

Students returned to receive their A-level certificates and also special individual subject and community awards.

Music on the evening was provided by music students Matthew Spalding, Matthew Allen and Caitlin Dylak.

Wharfedale Observer:

Brian Whitham (Rotary Club), Barry Mills (Rotary Club), Joanne Milner, Matthew Spalding

Head teacher Darren Beardsley said: “We were delighted to welcome so many students and their families to celebrate their achievements.

“It was particularly fitting that the awards were presented by ex-student Joanne Milner in the school’s 50th anniversary year.

“Joanne gave an inspirational and insightful speech.

“We would like to thank her for joining us in this celebration.”

‘First generation graduates’ had their achievements rewarded by Otley Lions.

The group presented the awards to two students, who are the first from their families to secure university places, at the presentation evening.

Rachel Bokor, who is reading fine art at Northumbria University, and Daniel Atkinson, studying economics at Leeds University, were chosen by the Menston school as worthy winners.

Both of them received £100 worth of book tokens donated by Otley Lions. Publicity officer Patrick McCauley said: “It’s a great leap forward to be the first member of your family to be admitted to university.

“As with any achievement, somebody has to be the first to manage it.

“For those who may follow, the goal then becomes a realistic target rather than a seemingly insurmountable barrier.

“We congratulate Daniel and Rachel and wish them all success in their degree studies and subsequent careers.”

The award winners were: Art – Rachel Bokor, Applied Science – Thomas Clapham, Biology – Robert Cadge, Chemistry – Phoebe Tate, Economics – Alan Gray and Daniel Atkinson, English Language – Alice Slater, English Literature – Madeline Tysoe, English Dual – Georgia Tate, Food Technology – Emily Fieldhouse, French – Alice Slater, General Studies – James Riley, German – Thomas Turner, Government and Politics – Caitlin Hopkinson, Geography – Gabriella Roberts, Health and Social – Charlotte Hassman, History – Lucy Featherstone, ICT – Jade Rigby-Williams, Mathematics – Emily Middlebrough, Further Maths – Simon Cadge.

Special Maths – Zachary Zajicek, Music – Matthew Spalding, PE – Ryan Clarke, Physics – Chloe Tindale, Product Design – Laura Bastow, BTEC Sports Studies – Eve Boardman, Psychology – Justine Wood, Theatre Studies – Aimee Goodman. Theology – Bethany Leach, Highest Points Score at A-level – Kavindu Appuhamy, Highest Average Points Score at A-level – Zachary Zajicek, Greatest Progress from KS4 to A-level – Alice Dolan, The Kevin Leaver Memorial Geography Prize – Luke Allan, Sports College Award for Excellence in Sport – Georgia Malir, Mathematics Faculty Award for Outstanding Student Leadership – Matthew Ginty, Science Faculty Award for Outstanding Student Leadership – Elizabeth Rogozinski, PE Faculty Award for Outstanding Student Leadership – Chloe Tindale, English Faculty Award for Outstanding Student Leadership – Michael Nisbet, Humanities Faculty Award for Outstanding Student Leadership – Emily Fieldhouse, Creative Faculty Award for Outstanding Student Leadership – Rosie Summers, Religious Education Award for Outstanding Student Leadership – Charlie Walker, MFL Award for Outstanding Student Leadership – Cecilia Bull, Mo’s Prize – Simon Cadge, Stephen Botterill Award for Excellence in the Physics of Forces & Motion – Michael Jones.

Otley Lions Achievement Awards – Daniel Atkinson and Rachel Bokor, Aireborough Rotary Club, Service Above Self Award – Matthew Spalding, Governors’ Award – Charlie Walker, Kavindu Appuhamy, Chloe Tindale, Charlotte Hatton, The Bambisanani and Diana Awards – Kavindu Appuhamy, Elizabeth Banks, Ryan Clarke, Patrick Connolly, Emily Fieldhouse, Elizabeth Garnett, Michael Jones, Freya O’Connor, Jade Rigby-Williams, James Riley, Hannah Smith, Chloe Tindale, Madeline Tysoe, Charlie Walker, The Sbonelo Magwaza Award – Kavindu Appuhamy.