Meet the New Head Boys and Head Girls of St Paul’s High School

October 9, 2024

We are delighted to introduce the five pupils who have been selected as this year’s Head Boys and Head Girls of St Paul’s High School. These pupils were chosen through an election by both their peers and the staff, reflecting the trust and admiration they have earned within the school community.

These five talented individuals are a testament to the diverse and inspiring ambitions of St Paul’s pupils. We look forward to seeing how Ryan, Fergal, Tiarnan, Áine, and Kym will lead and inspire the school community in the year ahead.

Ryan McKeown

Primary School Attended: Cloughoge Primary School

Subjects studied at A2 Level: Mathematics, Religion and Geography

What are your career aspirations? I would like to go on to university and do a course in either Architecture or finance and hopefully someday start my own company like my grandad and dad.

What is your favourite thing about being a St Paul’s pupil?

I have always enjoyed having the craic with my mates at break and lunch time as well as going on multiple trips with the school including going to Iceland with the Geography department last year.

Who do you look up to and why?

I look up to my dad because growing up I was always told stories about how good of a footballer he was and he also became very successful in his line of work and owning his own company, so I always wanted to be like him.

Who has been the biggest influence on your life so far?

My grandad had a big influence in my life growing up. He always looked after me and made sure I kept playing football and enjoyed it while I played. My parents also had a big influence in my life as they kept me disciplined in my schoolwork while also helping me through long injuries that I got through football.

What advice do you have for younger St Paul’s pupils?

I’d probably say to enjoy every minute of it as the time goes past so quickly and I look back at my years here with great memories.

Fergal Boylan:

Primary School Attended: St Joseph’s Primary School, Meigh

Subjects studied at A2 Level: Maths, Biology and Professional Business Studies.

What are your career aspirations? When I leave St Paul’s in Bessbrook, I hope to continue in third level education and study finance in university. I am choosing to go down the finance path as I enjoy A level Maths and hope to continue to learn and expand my knowledge in this department.

What is your favourite thing about being a St Paul’s pupil? My favourite thing about being a St Paul’s Pupil is the friendly working environment which is present in the school. This is created by the friendships between pupils and the hard work and dedication of the staff, and this helps everyone in St Paul’s have an enjoyable experience.

Who do you look up to and why? I look up to Niall Grimley who is a member of the Armagh senior football team as he experienced serious injuries in his footballing career and has managed to recover and return to the field, helping Armagh to win the Sam Maguire, which I believe is very influential.

Who has been the biggest influence on your life so far? My dad has been my biggest influence on my life as he has taught me many life skills and guided me through my younger years.

What advice do you have for younger St Paul’s pupils? A tip I would give to the younger members of St Paul’s would be to embrace school life and take every opportunity that comes their way as you don’t know where these opportunities may lead you.

Tiarnan Brown:

Primary School Attended: St Peter’s Primary School, Cloughreagh

Subjects studied at A2 Level: I am currently studying Maths, Chemistry and Professional Business Studies for my A-Levels

What are your career aspirations? Following this year, I would love to go to Queens University in Belfast to study either Actuarial Science or Accountancy. The reasoning for me choosing these as my potential career paths is due to the fact I love Maths and dealing with numbers and these careers deal heavily with this which is something that interests me. I also have some friends and family who have chosen these careers and have highly recommended it to me.

What is your favourite thing about being a St Paul’s pupil? My favourite thing about being a St Paul’s pupil is that the school provide us with so many opportunities that have made my time in the school so enjoyable. The opportunities that are provided such as getting many chances to go on trips abroad with friends and even the amount of effort that is put into the sporting side of the school is something I love. I have made many memories and friends through these.

Who do you look up to and why? I look up to my dad because for me I’ve always looked at him as a role model. I want to grow up to be as successful as he is in his work and use all the important life lessons he has taught me.

Who has been the biggest influence on your life so far? My mum has been my biggest influence as she has kept me motivated through school life and work. She has taught me how to be respectful of others and has always inspired me to be the best version of myself in every aspect of life. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without her.

What advice do you have for younger St Paul’s pupils? Take every opportunity as it comes to you. Whether this be joining a sporting team, going on school trips or opportunities to learn something new, take it. Especially in the first few years of school it can help you build good foundations and get to know a lot of new people.

Áine Osborne

Primary School Attended: Christian Brothers’ Primary School, Armagh

Subjects studied at A2 Level: Religion, Geography and Music

What are your career aspirations? I am Hoping to attend St. Andrews University in Scotland which will allow me to take a joint course in Geography and Theology. I then wish to go on to become a Volcanologist, a person who studies Volcanoes. I have always been interested in the very earth we have built our civilization on it and, just how magnificent It can truly be. I wish to help people to be safer around such dangerous areas while also appreciating the beauty of it as well.

What is your favourite thing about being a St Paul’s pupil? My favorite thing is the support from teachers is one of my favorite things in the school, especially in such a big school it’s easy to often feel quite small and unseen, but all the teachers I’ve ever had have far surpassed my own expectations in their readiness to assist, not only on the subject they teach but in school life in general. I had a previous Primary school, before the CBS, of which was also very big and often, we felt quite small and unheard but the staff at this school are beyond great in their kindness and support for everyone and anyone who needs it. And I suppose the trips are great as well.

Who do you look up to and why? My parents are who I look up to, I am an only child, and they are my absolute rock in all situations, while also being ready to put some sense into me when needed. My Mum always sees both sides to an argument and can somehow stay calm in difficult situations, which has taught me a lot about how to stay calm and focused when things around me are a bit crazy, and my Dad is a strong headed force to be reckoned with of whom has taught me a lot of resilience and is always there to pick me up when I stumble. both made me who I am today and that’s why I look up to them.

Who has been the biggest influence on your life so far? I have had a lot of different influences in my life like David Attenborough who started my interest in Geography and travel to my Choir Master who has given me a lot of confidence in my own abilities. but, most of all, I have been influenced by my friends and wider family who have taught and shown me so much, bringing me to new interesting places and growing my knowledge on specific subjects. Camping is something I have done with my uncles and aunties, were they taught me many valuable life skills. My friends have taught me to be comfortable in myself as well as helping me to explore some of my interests, many of which I would not have gone into if I had been alone when first going in.

What advice do you have for younger St Paul’s pupils? My advice to young students would be to try everything even if it’s not your usual style. we are very lucky to not only enjoy a wide range of sports and teams but also an amazing and diverse Music department, everything from percussion groups to choirs and more. There is something for everyone and joining such groups can help you to make new friends who have the same interests, and build your confidence, all while learning new and useful skills.

Kym Ward

Primary School Attended: St. Teresa’s Primary School, Tullyherron

Subjects studied at A2 Level: Maths, History and Professional Business Services

What are your career aspirations? When I leave school next year I am planning on embarking on a higher-level apprenticeship in accountancy. This has been my plan for the last number of years as from a young age I have always enjoyed Maths, and this occupation will use my transferable Maths skills in a business environment. I also have a deep interest in the business and finance sector and through studying professional business services this interest has deepened and solidified that it is the place for me.

What is your favourite thing about being a St Paul’s pupil? Throughout my time in St Paul’s, I have had countless opportunities and key memories that it seems impossible to pick one thing. However, the trips I have got to be a part of have gave me great opportunities and memories. I traveled to Paris and Salamanca while studying my GCSEs and this year I will embark on my final trip as a St Paul’s student when at the end of October, I will travel to Kenya as a part of the international project.

Who do you look up to and why? My answer to this question may seem cliche but it is the truth. From a young age my parents were my inspiration, and they continue to be they are both hardworking determined and considerate and it is my ambition to follow in their footsteps and lead the same rewarding and full life. They taught me valuable life lessons which will stand by me in my future and are always my biggest support in every little thing I do.

Who has been the biggest influence on your life so far? My life has been influenced heavily by many people but mainly my parents who taught me core values and manners at an early age. However, my school life undoubtably has been influenced by my English teacher Mrs Maeve McShane. She has been a constant support and guide throughout my St Paul’s journey. Pushing me to achieve my goals both inside and outside the classroom. It’s safe to say there was a time when I wanted to be a teacher just like her!

What advice do you have for younger St Paul’s pupils? My advice would simply be embracing every opportunity and take on new challenges that come your way. My biggest challenge to date was moving from such a small school to such a big school like St Paul’s and it is safely the best thing I have ever done.