BBC presenter and writer, Kate Humble, has encouraged schoolgirls to be brave, take risks and always treat everyone they meet with kindness and respect.
The charismatic star proved to be an inspirational guest speaker at the annual end-of-year Speech Day at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls on Saturday.
She called upon her incredible deep sea adventures in a cramped, “dustbin-like” yellow submarine and encounters with a very rarely seen six-gilled shark to illustrate the importance of seizing exciting opportunities.
“I never got a degree or a PhD,” the former Springwatch host told pupils.
“But skills count, experiences count, exaggerating just a little bit about how good you are at something can help – just being a little bit brave and different; those are the things that will get you jobs.
“Never think you are more important or better or cleverer than anyone else.
“People are always as important as you are and worth treating well, because one day your life might be in their hands.”
The Lambing Live presenter, who also runs the Humble by Nature farm just outside of Monmouth with her husband Ludo Graham, helped to present the great number of prize-winning pupils with their awards.
Haberdashers, parents, pupils, staff and governors watched as prizes for outstanding achievements, progress and efforts in subjects ranging from maths to music, and from drama to sport and academia were given out.
Caroline Pascoe, Headmistress of HMSG, had written her own chapter of Harry Potter, weaving in beloved members of staff from the School as recognised characters from the bewitching series.
As well as making the audience chuckle, the charming chapter mentioned many of this year’s wonderful success stories, including the recently-held Monmouth Literary Festival, organised by HMSG pupils in conjunction with Monmouth School and Monmouth Comprehensive.
Head Girl, Katie, gave a beautiful, tear-jerking speech, which she addressed to the girls who had not won a prize this year, ensuring them that recognition is most definitely not the most important thing in life.
Having been awarded one prize at her first Speech Day in Year 3, and gone the next 10 years without winning anything, Katie quoted “the great Beyoncé”, who once said: “Your self-worth is dependent on you. You don’t have to be dependent on someone telling you who you are.”
The outgoing sixth former said that trying everything, good friends, smiling and making the most of each day has kept her confident and happy, even when her results weren’t what she hoped for.
“Each and every one of you has qualities which can’t be judged on paper,” Katie added.
“You all have immense potential and the chance to have an incredible future.
“Not winning a Speech Day prize is the least of your worries.
“What really matters is that you find something you enjoy, surround yourself with people you love and that every day you make the most of everything that comes your way.”
Stunning performances by the Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, soprano Lucy and the HMSG Orchestra entertained guests, along with a flawless rendition of Shout by Rob Wiffin on the trombone by Rhiannon.
