Shy heroine Sharyn made a song and dance about it

By Arlene Kelly AUCHINLECK High School played their part in The Sunday Post Hospice campaign in more ways than one.  Thanks to a concert held in the school a couple of weeks ago, they certainly hit the high notes by managing to raise £390.  And it’s all thanks to a very modest fourth-year pupil, who was determined not to take any credit for her amazing achievements.

Sharyn Woods with Auchinleck High School’s cheque.

The concert was the brainchild of Sharyn Woods from Mauchline. She got the idea after reading about The Sunday Post’s CHAS appeal. And as soon as she began canvassing for support in the school, both pupils and staff began bending over backwards to help! Senior teacher Deborah Meehan explained, “At first the concert was to feature just the school brass band, then the pipe band became involved.  “Before we knew it, there was also a dance display, singers, a clarinet choir and a gymnastics team all willing to help.” Events Putting in a lot of time and effort, Sharyn set about organising events.  Calling the council lets department, printing off leaflets and advertising the fund-raiser was only the start.  With the help of others, she then arranged ticket sales, collected raffle prizes, liaised with band masters and invited guest singers from nearby Cumnock Academy. Mrs Meehan said, “Sharyn organised every aspect of this great night, but is reluctant to accept recognition of her efforts let alone credit for them. “However, we are all very proud of what she and the rest of the pupils involved have achieved.” With pupils from first through to sixth year taking part, the concert and displays were another way to showcase the talents the pupils normally reserve for gala days, guild events, Burns Suppers and conference entertainment.  It also turned out to be something of a family affair, with solo vocal performances from Joanna Hoffin (16) and her brother George (15), both also of Mauchline.  Their choices of Celine Dion’s Think Twice and Westlife’s chart-topping Queen Of My Heart received rapturous receptions, as did 15-year-old Angela Loy’s rendition of Maria McKee’s Show Me Heaven. The pupils involved gave up their lunchtimes and breaks to rehearse for five weeks, while the gymnastics display was choreographed by Miss Pollock of the school PE Department.

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