‘Now is Your Time to Shine’ Pupils Told in Inspirational Speech
‘A lifetime looking for the good in others is a lifetime well spent’ was the inspirational message delivered by the first female Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire at this year’s annual Speech Day at Harrogate Ladies’ College.
Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Mrs Johana Ropner addresses the audience at Harrogate Ladies’ College 2023 Speech Day
Mrs Johanna Ropner, who took over the Lieutenancy in 2018, urged the packed audience of pupils not only to use the hard skills learnt from their school years and often a pre-requisite to a successful career, but also never forget to be kind and gracious to others.
The Annual Speech Day at the school saw dozens of pupils receive prizes for their successes during the past year in academia, performing arts, creative arts, sports and overall contribution to school life.
Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Mrs Johana Ropner awards prizes to students at Harrogate Ladies’ College Speech Day 2023
Mrs Ropner told the pupils: “The most important thing is to believe in yourselves, realise your true potential, and never turn down an opportunity.
“Follow your passion. We all have the potential to be successful but it’s not just accomplishments in the professional world that define us – I have learned as Deputy Lord-Lieutenant, Lord Lieutenant, and as a mother that the softer skills are equally as important.
Mrs Ropner described how she suffered a car accident, which left her hospitalised and bed bound for four months.
“I was shown so much kindness and good grace over those months. It stayed with me. Never make the mistake that being kind is somehow soft. Look for the good in others. There are exciting new chapters for those of you leaving this great bastion of education. You’ve been given a wonderful springboard here at Harrogate Ladies’ College. Grasp every opportunity, now is your time to shine,” she said.
The theme of this year’s Speech Day, which attracted an audience of over 600 pupils and parents, was Time. Principal, Mrs Sylvia Brett, who has been leading the school for 10 years, reflected on this theme and on the importance of making the most of every moment in her address.
Harrogate Ladies’ College Principal, Sylvia Brett addresses the audience at Speech Day 2023
“However long this moment in time may last, it is vital that we not only make the most of it but also realise how quickly it will pass. In this moment we say farewell to our leavers in the comfort that their joy, friendship and creativity will last forever.”
Harrogate Ladies’ College Head Prefect, Lucy Thompson; Principal, Sylvia Brett; and Head Prefect, Ella Teale
Mrs Brett said: “It is so important to mark moments in time and to grow from them optimistically. Our school is 130 years old and, as we celebrate this anniversary, it drives us on to equip our pupils for at least another 130 years. We can do this because we have such strong roots in our school community.
“Our leavers go into the world, marking Speech Day as a moment in time in their lives, ready to change the world for the better. They can do this because of the values which grounded their time here and which I see in them every day.”
Prefects at Harrogate Ladies’ College speaking at the school’s annual Speech Day event
The event also included a review of the school year by pupils and speeches from the Head Prefects as well as a performance by the school’s Chapel Choir.
Harrogate Ladies’ College Chapel Choir perform at the school’s annual Speech Day