‘DREAM big, do your best, never give up, and have fun’ – that was the message from author, and former pupil, Anthony Ormond at Milford Haven School’s annual award ceremony on Thursday (March 26).

The 36-year-old, who also practices criminal law in Cardiff, was guest speaker at the annual award evening, which recognises the achievements of senior students throughout the year.

Mr Ormond, whose debut novel ‘Tommy Parker: Destiny will find you!’ is based on his days as a student in Milford Haven, was raised in Pill, and attended Milford Haven Juniors and Secondary School.

He told students that it was the ‘infectious enthusiasm for storytelling’ of a former teacher, the late Gillian Burgoyne – after whom one of the school’s English awards is named – that inspired him to start writing.

He said school was a place where friendships were forged, and memories were made, and implored students to make the most of this happy time.

Looking to the future, he said whether pupils decided to stay on in education, look for work, or go travelling, it was important to make the most of every opportunity.

“Every single one of you has a talent, but it has to be matched by hard work and enjoyment,” he said.

“Whatever path you choose to take it’s a start of a new adventure.

“The pages are blank; have fun writing your next chapter.”

Before presenting the awards, headmaster Rod Francis said this year’s academic achievements demonstrated the dedication of the partnership between parents, teachers and children.

He also thanked the board of governors for helping ‘make the most of people’s talents’, and praised the range of sporting, extracurricular and charity events students were involved with.

Milford Haven is one of 40 ‘Pathways to Success’ schools, a multi-million pound Welsh Government improvement programme to increase performance across Wales, and Mr Francis said the opportunity to share knowledge with other schools had been invaluable.

“We’re learning from the best to be the best we can,” he said.

He called the Education Minister’s education review – which includes planned changes to the National Curriculum – ‘compelling and exciting’, and said Wales’ ‘long-term economic health’ relied on adapting to meet the ‘meet the demands of the future’.

Guests were also treated to performances from Nicolas MacDonald (National Youth Brass Band of Wales), Georgina Pollard (Rotary Young Musician of Milford Haven), and Harry Turner and Alex Warlow.