A JOHNSTONE school’s new head boy and girl have told how they aim to “break down barriers” in science and sport.

Tom Reid and Erin Corner, both 17, fended off competition from their peers to secure the prestigious posts at Johnstone High, which they will hold until the end of the school year.

Lochwinnoch boy Tom will be aided by deputes Finn Fowler and John Steel, who are also 17.

“It is a big honour and I am absolutely delighted to have been chosen for the role,” Tom told The Gazette.

“I hope to be able to give something back to the school, as it has been really good to me.

“I hope to be a head boy who is remembered in the school for what I gave back to it.

The Gazette: New head boy Tom Reid and head girl Erin Corner (front) with fellow pupils and headteacher Lynne HollywoodNew head boy Tom Reid and head girl Erin Corner (front) with fellow pupils and headteacher Lynne Hollywood
“A big part of my role will also be encouraging people to maintain good standards.”

Candidates for the roles had to submit an application form, with a shortlist being drawn up.

The finalists were then tasked with acting out different scenarios in front of fellow pupils and staff, who gave them scores out of 10, with the top performers securing an interview with headteacher Lynne Hollywood and her deputy heads.

Tom, who is a ball boy for Celtic Football Club, hopes to use his role to encourage more pupils to stick in at science.

He added: “I plan to get behind a big push in science and want to find out why more boys decide not to get involved in the subject in later years.

“I’m also enthusiastic about helping to clean up the surrounding area, so the school gives a good impression.”

Erin will be supported by Rhea Henderson, Paulina Burke, Lucy Jeffrey, Mabel Wylie, Amber Kiffel, Rachel Anderson, Melissa McConnachie and Beth Miller, all 17.

The Howwood native and sports fanatic is bidding to get more girls involved in activities during her time in the role.

“My ambition is to go on to study either sports science or broadcast journalism,” Erin added.

“I enjoy teaching dance, gymnastics and taekwondo in local primary schools. As a member of the Gillian Whyte School of Dance, I was also fortunate enough to get the chance to dance in New York.”

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