This year’s Folio Celebration Evening took place on 12 November 2024 in the Rutherford Centre. Head Fionnuala Kennedy welcomed parents, contributors from our student body and our Keynote speaker, Gaia Mondadori, playwright, actor and WHS alumna who was ably introduced by Maria K, with Gracie C giving the vote of thanks:
Folio 2024:
- Maya W– Clouds
- ChaeYi S– Family Reunion
- Ada O – My grandma
- Harriet Q – Alan Loves Football
- Alyssa Y – That Cold Lake
- Gabby AM– Rabbit of the Rain
- Emily E – Tomato Soup
- Dua-e-Zahra K – Fire
- Indira B – Can you guess where I’m from?
- Chinaya M-M– Politics and Racism
- Lara K– Gertrude’s monologue
- Katherine T – The Crown
- Reva K – Under the Ocean
- Maddie S – Pressing Fast-Forward
- Olivia K – Prospero’s monologue
- Emilia E – The American Dream: a forgotten chapter
It was a wonderfully inspiring evening with confident performances from our student contributors. From a beautiful tribute to her grandmother, to a Watership Down-inspired poem, Shakespearean monologues, and blisteringly powerful non-fiction pieces, the pupils’ words were moving and entertaining in equal measure. Gaia addressed the audience and spoke at length about the power of sharing our own stories, and how important it is to recognise what you want to say will resonate with other readers. She had some sound advice for the next generation of writers, summarised by Gracie C:
Gaia delivered an inspirational talk at Folio about the power of telling a story and feeling confident in your own abilities. She spoke openly and humorously about times where she has struggled in life, whilst also giving ‘an instruction manual’ of snippets of advice which I’m sure everyone present valued immensely. I found it incredibly reassuring to hear that it is perfectly acceptable to not know what you are doing but to keep climbing the metaphorical mountains nonetheless. Gaia was a perfect example of an inspirational woman who uses her voice to speak up for what she believes in and continues to explore her creative passions. I remember seeing Gaia as one of the Deputy Head Girls when I was in Year 7 and seeing her as such a role model at that age, but listening to her speak at Folio only exacerbated my awe of her and gave me hope for the future leaders and creative minds of our world.
One parent said:
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for organizing such a wonderful event, which gave the girls the opportunity to present their writing pieces and see them printed. Our daughter has been passionate about writing from an early age, and we are truly thankful that her passion is being nurtured and supported by WHS.
