Head teacher Wilma Burgon spoke of diversity and partnership as the way forward – and she cited some of the words of US President Barack Obama.

She told the ceremony: "Selkirk High has always enjoyed a positive relationship with parents, partner agencies and the local community. We work together to provide opportunities that will benefit the young people of Selkirk, investing in their future. The relationship that the school shares with others is already strong and healthy.

"So why promote partnership on an evening that is about personal achievement? The main reason is that I consider this approach vital, an essential ingredient even for personal achievement."

And she went on: "A longstanding example of the benefits of active partnership comes with the involvement of the School Board, now the Selkirk High Parent Partnership. Most recently, this parent body has wholeheartedly supported the school in numerous ways, not least by highlighting to council representatives the issues that will have most effect on the High School as the financial climate becomes more challenging.

"Similarly, the group has initiated a move to bring together local clubs and organisations whose members would benefit from improved facilities, facilities that are already available to other Border towns.

"The campaign is gaining strength as partners work in a constructive and coordinated way to seek advice and support that we hope will, eventually, result in Selkirk having its own all-weather pitch. I am very aware that this partnership is helping achieve what the school alone could not and I'm very grateful for their time, effort and support."

The head teacher continued: "Three weeks ago we hosted an evening aimed at educating us all about drugs and alcohol misuse. This event was extremely successful and a very effective illustration of the benefits to be gained by partners working together. In this case pupils and staff from Selkirk's primary schools and the High School; parents; Selkirk Dry Bar and Youth Group; the local police and other support agencies … all pulling resources and expertise.

"It was very reassuring to see so many people prepared to be proactive and united in addressing issues that, regrettably, are now part of the world we live in, wherever that may be."

Mrs Burgon cited a number of activities including the school show in which partnership had prevailed.

She concluded: "But let's not forget the huge contributions of our three retiring High School personalities, Jim McPherson, Rob Thomson and Ian Cooper.