Success of former pupils
Heidi Nash-Smith, who attended Penrhos College from 1992-99, will be taking part in the Australian Outback Running Festival in aid of So They Can, a charity who work together with communities in Africa to educate and empower, so they can break the poverty cycle and realise their own potential.
This is the latest in a long line of fundraising efforts from the ex-pupil, which have ranged from comedy nights, taking part in the Maasai Mara Marathon in Africa and the New York Marathon.
She said: “The trip to Kenya had a profound impact on me. I returned enriched, but also conscious that there was much more I could do to support So They Can’s work. “The rights of the child and gender equality are cross cutting issues across all of So They Can's projects. Every child has the right not to live in poverty so they design and delivers projects to ensure real, tangible and lasting improvements to the lives of children in Kenya and Tanzania.
“While inequality can impact on both genders, it is generally women and girls who are disadvantaged. Therefore So They Can's projects have a strong emphasis on building the power of girls and women aiming to advance their rights and overcome deprivation, exclusion and vulnerability.”
Tom Williams, who now plays for Ospreys and is a former member of the school’s academy which is run in partnership with RGC and the Welsh Rugby Union, helped the national side take the Challenge Trophy at the HSBC World Rugby 7s Series, which was held in Vancouver.
The 21-year-old contributed significantly throughout the competition after being given an increased role by head coach Gareth Williams, which culminated in a 19-12 win over Samoa to claim the trophy.
“It's been one of the most surreal days I have experienced in my time coaching on the series," admitted Williams.
The talented youngster will now return to Ospreys for some training with the senior side, and will look to be part of the national set-up once again as they begin preparations for both the Commonwealth Games and World Cup next year.
Things could have been even better for the Welsh side had they not been undone by a last gasp penalty kick which denied them a place in the overall competition’s quarter finals.
Mr Boyd, said: “What Tom has been able to contribute to the Welsh 7s side in a relatively short time with the squad has been extremely pleasing, and congratulations go to him and the whole squad on their success.
“We have had a host of international players come through our academy ranks, which is a testament to both our coaching staff here at Rydal Penrhos, and the care and support they receive to improve every aspect of their game from our partners RGC.”
A host of former pupils got the chance to reminisce with old classmates at a special reunion event.
Around 90 ex-pupils from the 1960’s and 1970’s met up at the school on Sunday, April 2, which was one of a number of alumni events put on for ex-pupils of Rydal School and Penrhos College throughout the year.
The guests were treated to a three course meal in the dining hall, before being split into groups and led on tours of the grounds, which were given by current Sixth Form pupils.
Those interested were also allowed to view the extensive archives exhibition in the Richards Room, where they could see how things such as school uniforms have altered over time.
Alumni and Development Director Sarah Ritchie, said: “The event was a great opportunity for people to return to the school and see what has changed, and what hasn’t.
“There was a fantastic atmosphere throughout the event, and it was great to see so many old pupils having a fantastic time together catching up.”
Yvie Johnson took the stage at the TEDx Conference at the Ucheldre Centre in Holyhead, where she spoke about her experiences and challenges in-front of a large audience.
The mother of Year 9 pupil Sydney suffers from Bi Polar and last year drew nationwide plaudits to become the first ever person to complete an ultra-marathon which saw her run from Land's End to John O'Groats - and then remarkably back again – covering the 1,686 miles to land a new Guinness World Record.
During the talk she will be talking about the issues surrounding mental health and well-being, in addition to sharing ideas on how to improve perception surrounding these topics.
TED is a global community, welcoming people from every discipline and culture who seek a deeper understanding of the world.
They devised TEDx so that people could hold smaller regional conferences to further highlight issues that affect the community in the hope of inspiring people.