Vicki left the school as Head Girl in 1988 before heading to Cambridge University and has, for many years, been one of the BBC’s best known, and most respected, faces reporting on the comings and goings of Westminster. During her years as a Political Correspondent she has covered five General Election campaigns, reporting for the BBC Six and Ten o’clock news, Radio 4 and 5 Live.
She inspired the audience with a fascinating address in which she talked about the inner workings of Parliament, its traditions and the importance of breaking gender stereotypes in the world of politics.
She said: “At the Election last month, 208 women were elected – a record high but this still means that only 29% of the House of Commons is female. MPs are sent to Parliament to represent us and it might be better if it reflected what our whole society looks like.
“There’s a saying that you can’t be it if you can’t see it and this is where I think schools like Truro High make such a difference. Things may look a little different since I was here at school but some things never change in particular an atmosphere where young women can learn, thrive and be inspired to follow their dreams. I’ve been checking the history books and I’m pretty sure this country has never had a Cornish Prime Minister so my challenge to the young ladies here today is: make it happen.”
Seventy seven prizes were awarded in total for a range of achievements including the Andretti Engineering Award which was received by 14-year-old Dotty Squibb. Last month, Dotty received news that she has won a sought-after spot on a one-week work placement with one of the world’s leading Formula 1 teams, Williams F1.
Old Girl Diana Smeath was posthumously awarded the Lynn Green Memorial Cup for her service to the school. A former pupil, whose career saw her inspiring young women in the school’s chemistry labs as well as looking after its boarders as house mistress, Mrs Smeath sadly passed away this spring.
One of the most important dates in the school diary, Speech Day is marked every year with a special ceremony in Truro Cathedral including music, readings, prayers and speeches.
Headmaster Dr Glenn Moodie said: “We are extremely proud of our school’s long and distinguished history and are delighted that this year has also seen the creation of many new traditions from our first ever dance show to our inaugural school ball. Today we carry on a legacy which goes all the way back to the founding of the school 137 years ago and as we weave these traditions, old and new, into the fabric of our community we look ahead to celebrating them in another century’s time.”
