STARS shone at Humberston Academy's annual prizegiving ceremony.
One of the brightest students in North East Lincolnshire, Sam Irving – who achieved 13 GCSEs at grades A and A* – made several visits to the stage to collect his awards on the road to fulfilling his ambition of becoming a barrister.
Sam collected The Chairman's Trophy, as well as awards for English, maths, and physics. He was also applauded for his outstanding achievement in his exams.
Now studying for A-levels in ancient history, maths and English language at Franklin College, Sam said: "It was brilliant getting the awards. It is so nice to have recognition."
He plans to celebrate with a meal with his parents Julie and Steve Irving.
The awards were presented by founder of homeless charity Shelter, Des Wilson, who encouraged the pupils to make a difference to the world.
He congratulated the students and said: "You have set your life on a promising course."
He added: "Each day you wake up, remember life is not a dress rehearsal, spend it wisely and grab every opportunity. Get involved and create the opportunities and make a difference."
Academy principal Brian Sarahan also praised parents attending the prizegiving at The Beachcomber, in Humberston.
He said: "Without you working in partnership with us, they would not have been able to achieve what they have achieved."
He also presented an award to retiring chairman of governors David Harrison for his service to the school.
Vice-principal Simon Sprague congratulated the class of 2012 on their achievements, which he said had put the Academy on course for an "outstanding" rating in its next Ofsted inspection.
He said to Year 11 pupils: "The part you played has been huge."
Liam Funnell, 17, received the first A* grade in music in the Humberston school's history.
Head of music Felicity Farmery said Liam was the best pupil she had ever taught.
She said: "He is naturally gifted and destined to be an outstanding musician of the future."
She also taught X-Factor finalist Micky Parsons, and added: "He was fantastic and was with us until Year 8."
Now studying music technology at Franklin College, Liam said his ambition is to become a music producer after studying at Surrey University.
He said: "The highlight of being at school was performing at The Royal Albert Hall with the pupils from Signhills Academy and performing with the Lincolnshire Youth Chamber Orchestra."
Among the other stars applauded at the prizegiving was Abigail Hornsby, 16, who received an award for joining the top five per cent progress award. She said her results were due to the 90 minutes revision she did each night in the run-up to the exams.
She said: "It was a great feeling when I received the award."
