Rebecca Stephens MBE, the first British woman to climb Everest was Guest of Honour at Portsmouth High School’s Awards Evening last Friday (16 November).

The annual ceremony held at Portsmouth Guildhall is an opportunity for school to celebrate the achievements of current pupils and recent leavers. Amongst those to receive prizes were girls who studied for their A Levels in this summer’s public examinations, many of whom have now almost completed their first term at university.

Rebecca presented the prizes to pupils and then gave a keynote speech as part of the evening’s programme which also included a video review of the year.  Rebecca’s speech was inspiring for all, as she encouraged girls to follow their goals, not to be put off by long periods of study or a chosen path that seems a touch risky and inspired the girls to discover their own personal Everest.

Jenny Clough, Headmistress said “We were thrilled that Rebecca joined us for this very special occasion. She talked from the heart about her experiences and gave the pupils a very clear and simple message, that they should set their sights high and aspire to goals way beyond their expectations.”

“Girls aiming high is something that I am very committed to and passionate about, within the school we have a number of leadership roles and opportunities for pupils. In fact our Head Girl team take a central role in Awards evening, It is they who read out the names of prize winners and the Head Girl who gives the vote of thanks at the end. It was particularly appropriate this year that we had a number of girls talking about their achievements, including one pupil who this summer undertook the World Challenge Expedition to Ecuador and the Gold Expedition for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, knowing only too well the commitment and determination that Rebecca would have needed to reach the summit of Everest”.