THE annual Haberdashers’ Monmouth Speech Day was recently held for a moment to reflect and a memorable celebration of achievement, leadership and community set against the backdrop of the Wye Valley.

The day began at St Mary’s Priory Church, where students in Year seven to Year 10, parents, staff and guests gathered for the Commemoration Service, led by School Chaplain Mother Alycia.

Senior Chapel Prefects for 2025-26, Veronika S, Keilah G and Max M, alongside Head Chapel Prefect Kopano M, delivered their readings and prayers with confidence and composure, joined by Melvyn Roffe.

Chapel Warden Sean M and Junior Chapel Prefect Miles T carried out their duties throughout the service with grace and skill.

A meaningful moment came as incoming Head Chapel Prefect Luke B was presented to the congregation, blessed by Mother Alycia and formally invested with his Chapel Prefect’s gown. The occasion marked the beginning of his new leadership role and recognised the responsibility and service that it represents.

The choir’s performance of John Ireland’s Te Deum in F, under the direction of Mr Derek Harris, brought richness and beauty to the service while the final hymn, Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer, was sung with real feeling by pupils, parents, staff and guests, creating a powerful sense of togetherness.

The school community resembled on the sports fields at St Catherine’s for the Speech Day and Prize Giving ceremony.

Pupils, parents, staff and distinguished guests, including Brigadier Mark Davis CBE OM, Mr Richard Glover, Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers, and Chair of Governors Mr Tim Haynes, gathered for an occasion which celebrated both the school’s traditions and the achievements of its young people.

Music, performances and the precision of the Combined Cadet Force Corps of Drums set the tone for the afternoon, while prizes recognised excellence across academic, creative and co-curricular life.

Guests found a copy of this year’s Muse Room on their chairs alongside the awards programme. Showcasing poetry and prose from pupils across the school, the creative writing magazine reflected a striking range of voices, themes and styles, offering a fitting reminder of the literary talent within the Haberdashers’ Monmouth community.

Melvyn Roffe MBE reflected on a year shaped not only by achievement, but by courage and community, urging pupils to move forward with confidence in uncertain times.

He drew on the words “Never take counsel of your fears,” he spoke of a school that continues to evolve while remaining firmly rooted in its values.

He highlighted moments of quiet leadership which defined the year from boarders stepping forward to support the town during last autumn’s flooding to the growth of partnerships through the National Year of Reading.

The message was reinforced by guest speaker Brigadier Mark Davis, a former pupil who spoke about his own time at the school. By his own admission, he was not among the most obvious standouts.

“I was... fairly average,” he told the audience, reflecting that it took him years to understand that what the school offers is “not about standing out as an individual... but learning how to become part of something larger than yourself.”

This idea found a natural echo in the words of Head Girl Lily R, who spoke with honestly about letting go of the pressure to be perfect. Reflecting on the influence of Mary Oliver’s Wild Geese, she shared a simple but powerful message: “You do not have to be good... you only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.”

Head Boy Feargus C, who also received one of the school’s highest honours, the Kenyon Jones Award alongside Head Girl Lily R. Feargus spoke with warmth and perspective about this time at Monmouth.

“The real success was who you became while you were here,” said Feargus.

The prize giving showcased a depth of academic achievement across every area of the curriculum.

Among the most notable was Keilah G, who combined the HE Phillips Scholarship with the Year 13 Mathematics Prize, marking her out as one of the school’s leading academic performers.

Claire C stood out for exceptional breadth, receiving the Glyn Worsnip Award alongside subject prizes in History, Latin and Music.

Across sciences, excellence was equally evident, with Weronika S, awarded the Physics Prize, Tom G, recognised in Chemistry, and Alec S in Computer Science.

This strength extended through the year groups, with Mair D achieving a rare distinction by securing both Biology and Chemistry prizes in Year 12 while Madeleine E was recognised for her work in STEM, alongside a Biology award in Year 11.

The arts made a striking contribution throughout the ceremony, reflecting a culture where creative work is both ambitious and widely celebrated.

Freya B was recognised for her work in textiles, while Reuben T received the prize for achievement in drama.

In literature, Cai D was awarded the Creative Writing Prize, following a year in which his poetry was also recognised at the school’s Eisteddfod.

Music continues to flourish, with Barnaby W recognised for his contribution, complementing a programme that featured live performance and extracts from the summer production of School of Rock.

Sporting achievements were also celebrated at the Speech Day. Among those were Douglas M for rugby, John N-B, for cricket, Hallie L for netball and Francesca T-G for rowing and Imogen S was awarded the Year 12s girls’ cricket prize.

The school’s Cadet Force also celebrated its 120th anniversary so leadership and service were central themes of the day.