TRIBUTES were paid to an “outstanding” sixth year as they said goodbye to St Luke’s High at the school’s end-of-year graduation ceremony.

The departing class of 2017 was joined by teachers, parents and carers at a glittering reception at the Springfield Road school, as the teens looked back on their achievements and wished one another well as they head for pastures new.

Karen Hunter, deputy headteacher, wished the pupils every success in their future and told the Barrhead News: “The class of 2017 were an outstanding year group and will be missed by all at St Luke’s High.

“They are a credit to themselves, the school and their families and I wish them every success in their future.”

Adam Canning and Carmen Cassidy, depute head boy and girl, welcomed guests, including former head teacher Patricia Scott, who was invited back to say a final goodbye to pupils – many of whom she had known since their first day.

Ms Scott, who retired from her role last October after spending more than 30 years at the school, took to the stage to deliver a speech in which she passed on words of encouragement and wished the graduates well for the future.

Current head teacher Christine Downie also congratulated the leavers and thanked them for making such an impression on her in the time she has been in the post.

Every pupil was presented with an East Renfrewshire diploma, as well as a leaver’s certificate.

Michael McEvoy and Lucy Deehan, head boy and girl, then shared some of the year’s highlights with their classmates before thanking those involved in the setting up of the ceremony.

Celebrations continued at Celtic Park where pupils enjoyed a meal with their families and danced away their final hours as classmates.