St Mary’s Alumnus Recognised for Achievements

A former student at St Mary’s University College, Twickenham was recently recognised for his contribution to teaching and education during Mass, which was held in the Chapel at St Mary’s Strawberry Hill campus. Alumnus John Booth, Deputy Headteacher at Mount St Mary’s Catholic High School in Leeds, graduated from St Mary’s University College in 1975 and is due to retire from teaching this year. He was presented with a special commemorative plaque from the University College to mark both his retirement and in recognition of his many years’ service to teaching along with his relentless work raising the aspirations of those he teaches. John has spent the last 30 years encouraging his pupils to consider higher education and helping to broaden their horizons by organising annual trips to London, using the University College as a base for the visits. The trips give students the opportunity to experience university life, as well as getting to see some of the sights around the city. Many pupils have gone on to study at St Mary’s University College, including John’s own son who graduated in Media Arts in 2010. The surprise presentation was made by Mount St Mary’s Headteacher Mark Cooper. He said, “John is quite a character and a product of St Mary’s through and through. Since graduating and returning to Yorkshire to teach, he has influenced the lives of hundreds of children. “John has made a tremendous impact while here at Mount St Mary’s and we wanted to ensure his work did not go unrecognised. We will be sorry to see him leave, but are certain that this will not be the final contact John has with either the school or University College.”