Hillary Clinton visits Shared Education Campus in Limavady
Mrs Clinton also awarded honorary degrees to principals of the two schools in the town
Last updated 19th Apr 2023
Limavady High School has welcomed former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton.
Mrs Clinton visited the town in County Londonderry to unveil two benches to mark the new Shared Education Campus with the adjacent St Mary's High School.
Mrs Clinton met the head boy and head girl from both schools before visiting woodwork classrooms where she talked with pupils and viewed their projects.
Politicians, teachers, and students were all present for her speech.
Independent East Londonderry MLA, Claire Sugden, took to social media to express her pride at the school receiving the special US visitor.
Mark Baker Chief Executive, Controlled Schools’ Support Council added: “As we recognise the achievements of Limavady High School and St. Mary’s High School and the difference shared education has made for generations of children and young people as well as the local Limavady community, it reinforces the need for a vision and strategy for education that includes everyone working together and all voices being listened to.”
“Shared education provides the opportunity for pupils from different backgrounds to come together, forge new friendships, experiences and access to a broader range of learning opportunities. CSSC supports our children and young people being educated together and believe that shared education is critical in our changing society.”
“Personally, I congratulate Darren and Rita. Today is a fitting testament to the legacy of these innovative school leaders and their predecessors.”
It follows former US President, Bill Clinton, address in Derry last night where he paid tribute to the late John Hume and David Trimble - the key architects of the Good Friday Agreement
Organised by the John and Pat Hume Foundation, the event also heard musical performances and addresses by young people.
Meanwhile, at Queen's Univeristy Belfast Derry Girls has been referenced by the head of the Civil Service at a conference marking the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
Dr Jayne Brady said she was joined by US President Joe Biden's special envoy to Northern Ireland, Joe Kennedy III, at a mural depicting the main characters of the TV series set in 1990s Londonderry last week.
"And it made me think of the brilliant and very moving Agreement episode and something very poignant that Erin said: 'Things can't stay the same. And they shouldn't. No matter how scary it is, we have to move on and we have to grow up because things, well, they might just change for the better'," Dr Brady said in a speech on the final day of the three-day conference.
Read More:
Good Friday Agreement: Clinton pays tribute to John Hume and David Trimble
Prime Minister to make speech marking 25th anniversary of GFA at Queen's University
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