Tribute to Chloe Cockton from St Cuthbert's

Ella Johnson and Sophie Cockton with Chloe's prize for the joint highest achiever in Health and Social Care

There one notable absence from St Cuthbert's end of year celebration - Chloe Cockton.

A special tribute was paid by deputy headteacher Mr McCabe to Chloe in front of her friends and family, who were in attendance, to show how much Chloe meant to the community of St Cuthbert’s.

Mr McCabe said: "The class of 2016 were extraordinary in so many ways and have been missed by our entire community. St Cuthbert’s is richer for having had you all. An extraordinary year group is made up of extraordinary people and tonight’s celebrations are a testimony to the incredible young people in this room.

"There is, however, one member of this community who deserves to be celebrated for her contribution to our school in the widest sense. She may not be here in person but she is in the hearts and minds of all who knew her.

"Words cannot express the deep sorrow felt by all who knew and loved Chloe. Chloe Cockton touched the lives and hearts of everyone connected to our school and her lasting legacy will live on.”

A series of photographs were then shared with those assembled of Chloe from her first photograph in Year 7 through to the photographs taken at prom with her best friend Ella Johnson accompanied by Chloe’s favourite song Adele’s ‘One and Only’.

Mr McCabe then continued: “Chloe achieved 9 GCSEs at grade A*-C with a notable 1A*, 2As and 4 B’s.

“She could have achieved many awards here this evening for grit, effort, determination, hard work and, if there was a prize for maintaining a social life comparable with the Kardashians and still managing to achieve GCSE success, she would have won it.

“This evening Chloe wins the prize for the joint highest achiever in Health and Social Care.

“St Thomas More knew the pain of loss as much as we do when he said ‘Pray for me, as I will for thee, that we may merrily meet in heaven’.

“Until that time when we meet face to face let’s show our appreciation for Chloe and celebrate her life and achievements as Sophie and Ella come up to receive her awards.”

This was met with a standing ovation from the whole audience as Sophie Cockton (Chloe’s sister) and Ella Johnson came forward to collect Chloe’s award.

Sophie then made a very short speech to the audience to say that Chloe would have been ‘made up’ with the award and receiving it in front of all of her friends. She also thanked everyone for everything that they had done to support the family following Chloe’s death.