Today, I presented just my second individual High Sheriff Award, to a thoroughly worthy recipient.
Mr Gareth Evans, Headteacher of Ysgol Gynradd Dolau Primary School, is retiring after twenty-seven years invaluable service at the school and what a school! A wholly bilingual establishment where the children happily converse in either Welsh or English.
Just over a quarter-century of service to one school, is a magnificent, monumental, achievement in the ever-changing world of education. How many lives have been changed, inspired and motivated, by Mr Evans' dedication?
I was as overwhelmed as Mr Evans at the turnout for his retirement celebration. Colleagues past and present, parents and indeed the entire community hold him in such high esteem for his years of dedicated leadership and excellence in education.
One thing I certainly and quickly came to understand, Mr. Evans is entirely focused on the children in his charge and ensures they are equipped to fulfil their potential in life. What an incredible legacy!
I was privileged to recognise this enduring legacy, endearing motivation and the man - Mr. Evans today, with a High Sheriff Award.
Thank you Mr. Evans. Enjoy your retirement.
Heddiw, cyflwynais fy ail Wobr yr Uchel Siryf unigol, i dderbynnydd teilwng iawn.
Mae Mr Gareth Evans, Pennaeth Ysgol Gynradd Dolau, yn ymddeol ar ôl saith mlynedd ar hugain o wasanaeth amhrisiadwy yn yr ysgol – ac am ysgol! Dyma sefydliad cwbl ddwyieithog lle mae'r plant yn sgwrsio'n hapus yn Gymraeg neu Saesneg.
Mae ychydig dros chwarter canrif o wasanaeth i un ysgol yn gyflawniad arbennig mewn byd addysg sy’n newid o hyd. Faint o fywydau sydd wedi'u newid, eu hysbrydoli a'u hysgogi?
Cefais fy syfrdanu , fel Mr Evans ei hun mae’n siŵr , o weld cymaint a ddaeth i ddymuno’n dda iddo ar gyfer ei ymddeoliad yn y dathliad a gynhaliwyd iddo. Mae gan gyd-weithwyr ddoe a heddiw, rhieni ac, yn wir, y gymuned gyfan gymaint o barch tuag ato am ei flynyddoedd o arweinyddiaeth ymroddedig a rhagoriaeth mewn addysg.
Un peth y deuthum i'w ddeall yn gyflym, mae Mr. Evans yn canolbwyntio'n llwyr ar y plant o dan ei ofal ac yn sicrhau eu bod wedi'u harfogi i gyflawni eu potensial mewn bywyd. Am etifeddiaeth anhygoel!
Cefais y fraint heddiw o gydnabod yr etifeddiaeth hon, y cymhelliant annwyl a'r dyn ei hun - Mr. Evans - gyda Gwobr yr Uchel Siryf.
Diolch yn fawr iawn, Mr Evans. Llongyfarchiadau! Mwynhewch eich ymddeoliad.