A POPULAR television actress voiced support for a new initiative celebrating past pupils at her former secondary school.
Coronation Street star Kimberly Hart-Simpson has given her backing to Rhyl High School’s alumni network, which launched this week.
Kimberly, who also appeared in shows including Hollyoaks and Brassic and has her own successful fashion business, hopes the organisation will inspire present and future generations of learners at the school.
Congratulating headteacher Claire Armitstead and staff for utilising the experience, talent, and platform of its ex-students, she said: “There are many former Rhyl High School pupils who will inspire the next generation in their chosen industry – I’m proud to be one of them.
“The school introduced me to theatre, their productions at the town’s Pavilion Theatre were always well executed under the brilliant care of Mr Harrison, whom was my drama teacher.
“There is no doubt his love for the arts sparked something in me and I will be eternally grateful I attended a school that allowed its pupils to perform in such brilliant theatres.”
Other notable past pupils include Wales international squash player Tesni Evans, former Vale of Clwyd MS Ann Jones, physicist Sir John Houghton, The Alarm frontman Mike Peters, X Factor finalist Sami Brookes, and Lee Congerton, a former footballer and coach with clubs including Liverpool FC and Sunderland who went on to become head of senior recruitment at Leicester City and sporting director at Atalanta.
But while many famous faces have passed through the corridors, Mrs Armitstead believes those who went on to excel in other industries will be of value in fostering a sense of interest, aspiration, and excitement in a wide range of careers.
“We have so many people in the local area and beyond who have gone on to achieve great things,” she said.
“Whether it’s construction, education, retail, business, or the arts – as Kimberly has proven – Rhyl High School is a launchpad to success.
“But success means different things to us all; for some going on to work in a job or career that they are passionate about is a huge milestone. And we will support these young people all the way, so they get to where they need to be, putting the building blocks in place for their future.”
Deputy headteacher Ceri Ellis added: “We would love to hear from past pupils from all walks of life, whether they are still in the local area or on the national and international stage.
“The purpose of the alumni network is to use their life stories and experiences to inspire our young people and show them that with hard work and dedication they can go on to do great things.
“It would be fantastic to also have former pupils give talks, attend events, offer one-to-one advice and mentoring, and be relatable role models for the students.
“Our aim is to create a community that will be pivotal to the education and aspirations of pupils now and for many years to come, and this is the first step.”
