Staying true to yourself and taking as many opportunities as you can was the message delivered by the Head of BBC Radio 2 at the 2025 Harrogate Ladies’ College Speech Day.
Helen Thomas, who began her role as Head of BBC Radio 2 in 2020, urged the 600-strong audience of pupils, parents and staff to ‘experience life in technicolour’.
She was the keynote speaker at the annual Speech Day, which saw Harrogate Ladies’ College pupils receive prizes for their academic, performing and creative art, sporting and extra-curricular successes from the 2024/25 academic year.
Helen said:
“Make the most of this precious time in your life. Squeeze as much opportunity as you possibly can out of the next few years.
“Go to gigs, museums and plays. Read books and papers. See films and art exhibitions. Play sport. Get geeky about food and cooking or computers. Take up crochet!
“Whatever it is that floats your particular boat, get out there and just do it.”
She added:
“You are at the very beginning of your journeys and trust me when I say you don’t need to know the end point when you start out.
“This is your chance to flex and experiment, this is where the growth comes.
“You’ll like certain aspects of your university courses or jobs way more than others - that’s inevitable - but enter into everything with an open mind and an open heart.”
Speech Day also featured a review of the year by pupils, and speeches from a number of the outgoing 2024/25 prefect group.
Lower School Prefect, Erinn Baskind said:
“Like all of us, I’m not just one thing, I’m a mosaic of everything I have lived, learned, struggled with, and grown through.
“I have met teachers who have inspired me, made friends who make me feel valued, and found a community where I feel I truly belong.
“So, thank you, Harrogate Ladies’ College.
“You will always be part of my mosaic, the piece that helped me become the girl I always hoped I could be.”
In addition to the award winners, Principal (Acting), Mrs Joanna Fox, reflected on the contribution of the outgoing Upper 6 class.
She said:
“Although they will soon be leaving us to start their next chapter, we hope they take with them a sense of belonging and know they are still part of our extraordinary family.
“We are grateful for everything they have given back to the school, which has always been with enthusiasm and a smile.
“We hope they will return and keep us up to date with their adventures, wherever they take them, as they will be missed.”
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