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“Don’t wait for the world to change you, go out and change the world!” - Words spoken by five times Olympic Gold Medallist, Sir Steve Redgrave, as he presented awards to girls at Pipers Corner School, at the school’s annual prize giving ceremony which took place on the last day of term.

Despite the challenging weather the whole school, along with their families, came together to celebrate their many successes over the past year, as girls were awarded for academic, creative and sporting achievements.

During his address, Sir Steve, spoke to the girls about the importance of passion, commitment and desire and how all these things, along with a hard work ethic, are essential to achieving goals in life. Reflecting on his own career and accomplishments, he spoke about how talent alone is not enough and what you get out of life depends on how much you put in to it. Hearing words like this from one of the greatest athletes in Olympic history, served as great inspiration to the girls as they look to the future and the next steps they will take in their own lives.

Head Girl, Rachel Hawthorne marked the end of her year in the role, by giving a speech of her own at the ceremony, during which she looked back on her time at school. She spoke of the way that small things, that may seem to be insignificant, actually do matter and when added together can change everything. She encouraged the rest of the school to always aspire to do better and make the most of the many opportunities offered to them at Pipers.

At the end of the ceremony the Head Girl for 2012/13 was announced. Congratulations to Annabel Hobden, who along with her Deputies, Brooklyn Thirkettle and Ellen Hitchman will lead the team of Senior Prefects next year.

Headmistress, Mrs Helen Ness-Gifford, “In Olympic year it was a real privilege to have Sir Steve Redgrave join us for this wonderful and memorable occasion. I hope that the girls who were here today take his words to heart and recognise that that if they put in the amount of dedication shown by Sir Steve throughout his career, they too will be successful in whatever paths they choose to take.”