Boston Grammar School Prize Giving 2015

The 2015 Prize Giving took place at The Centenary Methodist Church, Boston on 17 December.

In his welcome speech the headmaster, John McHenry talked about the federation which happened 7 years ago between Boston Grammar School and Boston High School. He thanked those who worked to make it a short episode in BGS history. In particular he thanked Mr Graham who retired from the school last year. Most of all though he thanked the students and their parents who are currently in year 13 for showing their confidence in the school. When they started in year 7, the whole selective intake from Boston was assigned to the high school: boys and girls. After that year all and with the end of the federation, all of the boys in the year-group were offered the chance to transfer from the Spilsby Road site to Rowley Road. Thirty of those boys chose to make the switch.

At the time of the federation the county's estimates were for falling rolls but the current intake is over 100 at BGS alone and that level is forecast to continue, which justified the existence of two selective schools in Boston.

John also made a presentation to Martin Wright, who has taught mathematics at the school for 37 years and will soon reach his 60th birthday. Martin was invited to respond but declined. When congratulated later he typically questioned why he had received the honour.

Chairman of the School Governors, Philip Bosworth's speech included recognition for Jim Howes who had been borough councillor, Chairman of School Governors and Foundation Governors, and President of the Old Bostonian Association who died this year.

The event was punctuated by carols and musical interludes.

Prizes were distributed by Dr Sunita R Deshmukh, who was a student at BGS, leaving in 2005 as the first female winner of the Parry Gold Medal. In her speech she told how she had to make a decision between medicine and art. Eventually she chose medicine, which she studied at the University of Nottingham. While still an undergraduate she was one of the authors of a text book on the renal system. Eventually she specialised in psychology with a particular interest in Alzheimer's Disease. By getting involved in the use of art therapy with Alzheimers patients and by doing illustrations for medical publications, in the end Sunita has been able to combine her passions of medicine and art.

Head of School, Harvey Potter gave the vote of thanks, presenting Sunita with gifts including a prefect's tie.

The event was finished in the customary manner with the singing of the school song and the national anthem.

Boston and District Quiz League 2015

BGS old boys Nick Charlton, Howard Charlton and Andy Boyer were part of the team which won the Boston and district quiz league 2015.

Andy and Howie were part of the team that won the quiz league entertainment quiz, which Nick set and therefore could not enter.