Omagh High School Prizegiving 2026

Omagh High School Prizegiving 20^th January 2026

Mrs I Clarke, Chairperson of our Board of Governors at Omagh High School, opened the prize giving ceremony by welcoming students, staff, parents and the guest speaker, Mr R Beattie, president of the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster since April 2024.

Principal Mr Gaitatzis opened by praising the outstanding achievements of pupils and highlighted the dedication, effort and resilience behind their success. He spoke of the school’s commitment to nurturing both the minds and the character of its young people, emphasising a caring ethos rooted in understanding each individual’s true self. He also addressed the pressures today’s students face, from the mental‑health challenges of modern life to the distractions of an increasingly “virtual world”, and reaffirmed the school’s mission to provide stability, guidance and excellence in education.

Reflecting on another strong academic year, the principal celebrated impressive GCSE and A‑level value‑added results, well above Northern Ireland averages. He paid tribute to staff for their professionalism, continued development and commitment to providing wide curriculum opportunities and extensive pastoral support where pupils of all abilities can thrive. He also acknowledged the challenges facing schools, including funding pressures and workload concerns, and looked ahead with optimism to the move to the new Strule Campus in 2028, where he pledged that Omagh High School’s ethos and standards would remain firmly intact.

In closing, Mr Gaitatzis encouraged pupils to remain grounded in the “real world,” drawing on themes of nature, resilience and personal integrity. He introduced guest speaker Richard Beattie, President of the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster, whose background in agriculture and leadership reflects the school’s values of hard work, connection with the farming community and lifelong learning. He ended by thanking staff, families and the wider community for their continued support and invited all to visit the school’s Open Day on 27 January 2026.

Guest speaker Richard Beattie, President of the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster, opened his remarks by congratulating all prize recipients and commending the hard work, perseverance and personal growth represented in their achievements. He reminded pupils that success extends beyond certificates, emphasising resilience, collaboration and the confidence to set and pursue personal goals.

Speaking from his own journey through education, youth leadership and the YFCU, Mr Beattie highlighted the value of responsibility, teamwork and community involvement. He encouraged pupils to embrace challenges, learn from failure and seize opportunities in whatever pathway they choose — whether further study, apprenticeships, farming, business or the trades.

Mr Beattie also paid tribute to the vital support of families and the dedication of Omagh High School’s staff, noting the profound impact they have on young people’s lives. He closed by congratulating the school on another successful year and urged students to move forward with confidence, embracing every opportunity that comes their way.

An expression of thanks and appreciation was extended to Mr Beattie and his wife, past Head Girl (2013–2014) Mrs Lynsay Beattie, for their roles as guest speakers and for presenting the awards. This was delivered by Deputy Head Girls Mylie Gibson and Leanna Hunter, and Deputy Head Boy Luke Grimes.

The afternoon concluded with a musical interlude from the school choir, who performed the piece “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman.

All school staff, parents and pupils ended the afternoon with light refreshments in the dining hall.