BY Ian Dunn | January 18 | 
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Trinity pupils are Champions for Change
Rutherglen high school is given anti-sectarianism award thanks to tireless efforts of students
The work of pupils from Trinity High School, Rutherglen, in tackling sectarianism was recognised last week when the school was awarded Champions for Change status.
Champions for Change, an accreditation scheme run by anti-sectarian charity Nil by Mouth, celebrates schools’ work in challenging sectarian behaviour and rewarding best practice. Trinity High School is the first denominational school in Scotland to achieve the status, and is only the second high school in the country to receive the award.
Dave Scott, Yvonne Donald and Ann Beveridge of Nil by Mouth visited Trinity High School last Thursday to present pupils with the award at a reception, which was also attended by many people that have helped and supported the pupils on their journey, including teachers, politicians and members of South Lanarkshire Council.
Peter Bollen, Trinity High School headteacher, highlighted that pupils started working towards Champions for Change status in October 2011, ‘when schools across Scotland were invited to the national launch and challenged to become Champions for Change and to work towards securing this accolade by meeting a set of criteria as laid down by Nil by Mouth.’
“At times in our life journey we need to decide when to make courageous acts,” Mr Bollen said. “Given our geographical context and historical reality the time for change was now.”
Lauren Doherty, S6, and Reece Donnelly, S5, two senior pupils from Trinity High who are currently participating in the Pope Benedict XVI Caritas Award, were involved in the Champions for Change scheme and explained more about the project.
The pupils noted that representatives from Nil by Mouth spoke to them at a pupil council meeting about sectarianism and problems in the west of Scotland, and highlighted sectarian-related crime statistics.
“And so we continue our journey, striving to neutralise the effects of sectarianism, knowing that we stand with our partners ready to tackle sectarianism, and, today, we are proud to say that our pupils are fantastic ambassadors for Trinity High School and are worthy to be described as Champions for Change,” Mr Bollen said.
—Pic: Tom Eadie
— This story was reported in full in the January 18 print edition of the SCO
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