10 minute read
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2021
CELEBRATING THE Class of
Sarah Shah, Head Girl
2021
Anna Chew, Deputy Head Girl
I am extremely proud to have been able to represent Wakefield Girls’ High School as the Head Girl for 2020-21 and extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve the school and the people who have served me so well over so many years. It goes without saying that time has flown by, however that does not mean our final year has been uneventful! The Head Girl Team and I feel that the circumstances of this year gave us the opportunity to leave our legacies in our own unique ways as we had to think outside the box and quickly adapt to changes.
Despite restrictions, we were still able to attend many important events in our roles and although some of these might have been new territory for us (such as virtual assemblies or social media), these experiences have been incredibly fulfilling. Most notably, was on Founders’ Day thanks to Ms Boyes’ and SLT’s efforts to provide us with a traditional handover to accompany the virtual assignment. Not only because we were able to live our childhood dreams of running around in the gowns like a rendition of Harry Potter, but also due to how moving the service itself always is. It truly did feel magical to sit in the Cathedral. To run our eyes across the elegant curves of the archways again, glance through the glossy stained-glass windows... And once the wonderful musicians and speakers began, it was difficult to hold back tears. The whole day was simply reinvigorating. I feel that was a key point for the team, as it highlighted optimism for the year ahead. From that point on, we were even more determined to do everything that we could to ensure everyone in school would be able to share in similar experiences and make good memories together.
Therefore, we turned our focus onto the school’s first ever virtual Christmas Revue.
Year 13 worked together to incorporate every single one of our diverse interests and ideas into a ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ story following a time machine, allowing us to keep the interactive charm of the event. Seeing everyone’s efforts come together to produce this was another magical moment: all the teams from across the year and all the teachers were able to work in close proximity, while maintaining social distance. Like all Head Girls, I still cannot believe we managed to complete it! The Revue was a welcome celebration for the Christmas holidays, but also served as a reflection of the resilience and camaraderie I have always admired in the people around me. I do not think I could have asked for a better group of people than the Class of 2021 to have spent such a year with. From all the work everyone has put into developing large communal projects, such as the Revue (including keeping a list of ideas since they were in lower school!), to the work they have put into developing themselves and their own unique interests, everyone in the year has had busy and fulfilling WGHS careers. I am so incredibly grateful to have been able to grow alongside such an outstanding year group, and now to have been able to represent them as their Head Girl. I hope to have been able to reflect even a fraction of their values and qualities in my role: their resilience, creativity and kindness knows no limits and I aim to channel everything I have learnt from them into all my endeavours. Every single one of my peers in Year 13 has the skills and ambition necessary to chase happiness and success, however they are all such incredibly inspirational young women and such extraordinary individuals in their own right that I am excited to see the different and diverse paths they will take to achieve this. While it is impossible for me to fully convey everything in writing, I would like to especially thank the members of the Senior Prefect Team and the Deputy Head Girl for everything they have done for me personally, as well as for their commitment to our school and community.
Abigail Neilson and I have shared many mornings up at the SALT desk, trying not to break microphones, and it is because of this that I have first-hand knowledge of her exceptional eye for detail and ability to quickly solve problems on her feet, regardless of how much pressure she is under. She is truly the personification of ‘Yorkshire Grit’! I can say with confidence that her plans to study Physics at Lancaster University and aspiration of becoming an intelligence officer in the RAF are extremely well-suited to her personality and work-ethic; I know she has the drive to accomplish whatever she sets her mind to.
Aminta Utting-Simon is hoping to study Religion, Philosophy and Ethics at King’s College London next year. Considering that I have never met anyone as passionate about theology and R.P.E. in my life before, nor have I ever met anyone as organised (exemplified by the preparation she put into pitching and creating her own Philosophy EDGE independently), I have no doubt that she will excel in this. I have many fond memories with Aminta since Year 7, which I will spare her the embarrassment of sharing right now, however I cannot thank her enough for commanding our fleet of Revue posters and memes this year!
Anastasia Kelly has always been referred to as one of the techy members of the Senior Prefect team due to all her help editing the Revue, therefore it is no surprise that she will be going on to study Software Engineering. Anyone new to the school would be shocked to hear that she only joined in Year 12, having come all the way from Australia, as she fit in seamlessly and has firmly established herself as a member of the school community. With her musical expertise and interest in film, I am looking forward to any projects she may potentially pick up either onstage or in media in the future. Huda Chowdhery may have followed in her sister’s footsteps by becoming a Senior Prefect, however she was definitely able to make the role her own. From her proficiency in languages, interest in global cultures and avid media literacy, she definitely has the awareness and intellectual curiosity to flourish in her Politics, Philosophy and Economics degree at Sheffield University next year. I am also looking forward to seeing how her creativity and eye for aesthetics influences her future work and the form it may be presented in.
Kyne Bordon (also known by many, many fond nicknames) is probably one of the biggest bookworms I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. It is no surprise therefore, that she will be studying a Classics degree next year. Alongside her academic pursuits, Kyne’s personable, light-hearted nature and bright smile lets her light up any room that she enters; wherever she goes she will always be able to attract and establish a strong group of friends with her charm, charisma and humour.
Lucy McKinlay will be fondly remembered as the tea connoisseur of the Senior Prefect Team, as she would always be happy to provide cuppas for anyone who asked during meetings. She has been at the heart of the WGHS Music Department for many years and the dexterity required for this talent will surely translate into a successful career as a Dentist. She has always been more than happy to contribute to the school community and I’m sure that Newcastle University will be very lucky to have her.
Ruth Gardiner is a woman of many skills and talents, as evident in her achievements as a musician, as a sportswoman, as a Revue actor and as an academic. Having seen her ability to apply both her analytical and interpersonal skills at once, I already know that she will shine in the human rights career she hopes to pursue following her Law degree at Newcastle University. Her drive and enthusiasm are limitless, as shown in her organisation of the Leavers’ Hoodies as a Senior Prefect, but also in how she always lifts the spirits of everyone around her.
Sasha Hildyard has always been almost a pillar to lean on, and her social consciousness enables her to join and participate in almost any group discussion seemingly effortlessly. Her level-headed and sensible nature always provided a sense of clarity in meetings and will certainly continue to be an asset during her Politics and International Relations degree at Durham. Due to her charitable and empathetic nature, I can’t even imagine just how much of a positive impact she will surely have on the world!
Sienna Sekhon cannot simply just be described as a ‘hard worker’ as this does not fully emphasise her sheer diligence and reliability. This is reflected in her achievement of being offered a place to study Medicine at the University of Leeds next year, which she will definitely do well in, as well as in how she always makes sure to give everything her all. I’ll never forget dancing to Hamilton alongside her for the Revue – after all, it’s not everyday I get to dance with a talented actor from musical theatre!
Zaina Khan’s plan to pursue a career in Psychology is very fitting as everyone always comments upon how deeply she asks questions and understands others. She has always been the person to get as involved as possible with supporting the WGHS community while still having a laugh with those around her, most notably during filming for the Revue. Whether it’s as a Senior Prefect, when baking, sending yearbook messages or making videos, Zaina is dedicated to sharing her happiness. Anna Chew has been the best Deputy Head Girl I could have ever possibly asked for, and I cannot thank her enough for everything throughout the year. I am almost convinced that she has a sixth sense, as she would always know right when to offer support or to bring up something I had forgotten. Honestly speaking, I’m not sure what I would’ve done without her! She has consistently been an active member of the school community and is simultaneously respected and loved by her peers, as she leads and inspires those around her while being extremely good company (on account of her humour and pleasant nature). It has been a privilege to work alongside her and I hope that she is proud of all the work she has put in for her school and her friends not only this year, but ever since she joined. Although she would probably deny it, she is so incredibly caring, committed and intelligent. I wish her all the best in her pursuit of a career in Civil Engineering; she truly deserves the world, and I know she will be able to attain it.
Thank you so much to the Head Girl Team once again, as well as to all the staff and students of Wakefield Girls’ High School over the years. Thank you to Dr Rhodes and to all my A Level teachers for their support, and thank you to Ms Boyes for maintaining the environment for our school community to flourish. Thank you to all my friends across every year group. You have all made this experience so special, and I will always hold these memories very dearly. I look forward to seeing what Eleanor and the new Head Girl Team achieves, and what the future of the school holds.
Sarah Shah - Head Girl 2020-21
