Where Are They Now

Daniel Gordon

The change from Junior High School to Senior High School came at the right time for me as a student. CSHS provided me with a platform to mature as a person. At the beginning of Year 11, I was a student who did not want to attend school and by the end of Year 12, I did not want to leave. I loved my 2 years at CSHS as a student and look back at it as being a pivotal part in my life. I achieved all my GCSE’s and had a clear career path to pursue. I progressed onto Armagh SRC where I studied Sports Science before going to Stranmillis University and completing a PGCE in PE Teaching. I have gone full circle and currently have the privilege of teaching at CSHS. Recently I have been appointed as Subject Leader for PE. Being able to look through the lens as both a student and a teacher, I can say that this school provides support, care and value to all students and staff. I did not know it at the time, but CSHS was exactly what I needed as a student and was the perfect choice for me. The opportunity for me to be able to develop mould and encourage students to become their best selves fills me with excitement.

Victoria Burnett

I really struggled when I first attended CSHS due to not getting a place in the Grammar school. I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for this school.

The teachers believed in me from the start and encouraged me throughout my two years there. I particularly struggled with English and needed to pass this subject in order to secure a place to study A-levels and at university. My English teacher helped me every step of the way to ensure I received my C grade.

I qualified as a nurse in 2008 and have been working in the SHSCT ever since. I am currently the ward manager in the respiratory ward in Craigavon Area Hospital.

Sarah Mulligan

At an early age I started working in the hospital, first as a domestic and then as a health care assistant. I always knew I wanted to follow in my mum’s footsteps and become a nurse. However, when I was at school I struggled with certain subjects. When I was at CSHS not only did, I struggle academically at times but unfortunately, I was not very well. The school and all the teachers were incredibly supportive at this time and the whole way throughout my time at CSHS. Mrs Oneill, Mr Reid and Ms Parkinson-Kelly, all really helped me through this time, helping me to focus on my studies, gain confidence and they were always there cheering me on and believing in me. Thanks to them and others in CSHS I went on to get a 2:1 in my Nursing Degree at QUB. I have now been working in Belfast City Intensive Care Unit for 3 years. I get to do what I love every day working somewhere I never thought I would because those teachers had confidence in me and pushed me to do my best. I am now working full time whilst also studying for my ICU course at QUB. I will be forever grateful for the opportunities and encouragement CSHS gave me.

Matthew Sullivan

I started in Craigavon Senior High school in 2005.  During my time in CSHS I worked hard to achieve good GCSE results - and also had great craic.  I was privileged to be made Head-boy during my 2nd year of study.  I had no real idea of what I wanted to do in the future other than definitely not French (I was horrendous at French - how I passed my GCSE French I will never know) - but I enjoyed science so I always had an interest in Medicine - but knew this would be very difficult to get into. 

The teachers in CSHS really supported me and pushed me on to do well - if it wasn’t for this support I definitely wouldn’t have ended up where I am now.  I then went to Portadown College to do A-levels.  The teachers in CSHS really went above and beyond to help me do well. 

I then set my goal on doing Medicine. In 2010 I got an offer to study Medicine at Queens University Belfast.  In 2015 I qualified and started work as a Junior Doctor in Craigavon Area Hospital.  I completed my foundation training in 2017 and now work as a Speciality Doctor in Paediatrics - looking after children from when they are born until they turn 16 years old. 

I feel CSHS was fundamental to me achieving my dream job - I have been in the education system for a long time now (as demonstrated by my lack of hair) and nowhere has come close to the support and encouragement I received from the staff at CSHS.  CSHS is a great place to study.