Students at the Royal and Prior Raphoe gathered to celebrate the best in the student community at their annual Prizegiving ceremony last Friday.
Some prominent former students also delivered talks at the ceremony as the current crop were rewarded for their hard work
One of the special guests was Janice Gault, who went on from her beginnings at the Royal and Prior to become the Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation.
A special prize was also given posthumously to Cameron White, a first-year student who tragically passed away in May after battling Leukaemia.
Principal of the Royal and Prior, Howard Welch, paid tribute to young Cameron as part of his remarks on the night.
“Tonight, we award a prize for the first time to a first-year student who has shown 100% dedication to all aspects of school life. The award is being given in memory of Cameron White, a first-year student who tragically died in May; a student who showed 100% dedication to all aspects of school life, a student I have no doubt whatsoever would have developed into a young man who would have been of benefit to himself, his family and society.”
“Cameron made a big impact on everyone he met and we miss him greatly. I deeply appreciate that Cameron’s parents, Robbie and Vienna, are here with us this evening. You and your family continue to be in our thoughts and prayers as you grieve your immense loss.”
Thanks to Clive Wasson Photography for these photos from the night.

Jim Devenney with Sam Macbeth and Alex Lowery winners of the Devenney Cup for Agricultural Science at the Royal & Prior Prize Distribution on Friday last. Photo Clive Wasson

At the Royal & Prior Prize Distribution on Friday last are seated Elsa Moore, Crawford Trophy, Ms. Janic Gault, Guest Speaker and Ace Rodrigues, Crawford Trophy. Back from left are Mrs. Jacqueline Carson, Deputy Principal, Rev. Canon John Merrick and Dr. Howard Welch, Principal,. Photo Clive Wasson

Rev. Canon John Merrick, Ms. Janice Gault, Guest Speaker, Joshua Harris, Kevin Kelly Memorial Cup and Mrs. Jacqueline Carson, Deputy Principal, at the Royal & Prior Prize Distribution on Friday last. Photo Clive Wasson

Second year prizewinners with Mrs. Jacqueline Carson, Deputy Principal at the Royal & Prior School Raphoe. Photo Clive Wasson

Third year prizewinners with Mrs. Jacqueline Carson, Deputy Principal at the Royal & Prior School Raphoe. Photo Clive Wasson

Fourth year prizewinners with Mrs. Jacqueline Carson, Deputy Principal at the Royal & Prior School Raphoe. Photo Clive Wasson

Fifth year prizewinners with Mrs. Jacqueline Carson, Deputy Principal at the Royal & Prior School Raphoe. Photo Clive Wasson

Sixth year prizewinners with Mrs. Jacqueline Carson, Deputy Principal at the Royal & Prior School Raphoe. Photo Clive Wasson

JCSP prizewinners with Mrs. Jacqueline Carson, Deputy Principal at the Royal & Prior School Raphoe. Photo Clive Wasson

REv. CAnon JOhn Merrick, Chairperson Board of Management at the Royal & Prior Prize Distribution on Friday last. Photo Clive Wasson

Olivia Maxwell presenting hte Head Girls report on the sporting life of the school at the Royal & Prior Prize Distribution on Friday last. Photo Clive Wasson

Ace Rodriguea, Head Boy presenting his report on the Co-curricular life of the school at the Royal & Prior Prize Distribution on Friday last. Photo Clive Wasson

Dr. Howard Welch Prinicipal presenting the principals report

Corey Chambers receving the Cameron White Memorial Award from guest speaker Ms. Janice Gault, MBE, CCE of Northern Ireland Hotels Federation at the Royal & Prior Prize Distribution on Friday last. Photo Clive Wasson

Vicky Wauchope, receivng teh Pinkerton Cup, Milling Cup and Seniro Cup Girls from Ms. Janice Gault, Guest Speaker at the Royal & Prior Prize Distribution on Friday last. Photo Clive Wasson

Ms. Janice Gault, MBE, CCE of Northern Ireland Hotels Federation guest speaker at the Royal & Prior Prize Distribution on Friday last. Photo Clive Wasson

Mrs. GEraldine Robinson, President of Royal & Prior Past Pupils Association speaking at the Royal & Prior Prize Distribution on Friday last. Photo Clive Wasson

Mr. Andrew Spee who delivered a vote of thanks on on behalf of the School’s Patrons at the Royal & Prior Prize Distribution on Friday last. Photo Clive Wasson

Ms. Rebekah Johnston who gave a vote of thanks on behalf of the school leavers at the Royal & Prior Prize Distribution on Friday last. Photo Clive Wasson
Jim Devenney with Sam Macbeth and Alex Lowery winners of the Devenney Cup for Agricultural Science at the Royal & Prior Prize Distribution on Friday last. Photo Clive Wasson