As Drum Major, Rose Roberts leads the Pipes and Drums and behind them the school on Parades at Gordon’s and the annual Whitehall Parade in London. She sets the Band’s tempo, which in turn dictates the marching speed, all the while wielding a ceremonial mace.
But behind the smile, professionalism and diligence, is a Sixth Form student who carries out her duties and school work, while suffering from Stargardt’s Disease, which affects her eye sight, making it challenging to not only study but fulfil her role in the Pipes and Drums.
In recognition of what Rose has achieved and overcome, Rose was recently presented with a Girdlers’ Medallion from the Master Girdler, Major General Sir Sebastian Roberts KCVO OBE.
She was nominated by members of staff from Gordon’s, who have been supported by an annual grant for bursaries from The Girdlers, since the mid-1960’s.
At the annual awards dinner, held at Girdlers’ Hall in London, the citation was read to members of the livery company and assembled guests including her parents. The citation featured tributes to Rose from her Head of House Heidi Doe and Senior Pipe Band Leader Iona Scotson.
Mrs Doe describes Rose as humble, gracious, dignified, warm and caring. She stated: ‘Rose manages her challenging disability with dignity and has never once used it as a reason not to do something. In fact, it has always been the opposite with Rose, who always rises to the challenge’, adding: ‘She is an exceptional young woman and I feel privileged to have been part of her life’.
Mrs Scotson wrote: ‘Rose personifies the five Gordon’s character strengths: courage; integrity; diligence; enthusiasm; and resilience, in everything she does and has achieved. Rose has had the courage to overcome the challenges; the diligence to master skills that may come easier to others; the integrity to be honest with herself and face the challenges; the enthusiasm to power on and inspire others; and most notably the resilience, that nothing will get in her way to achieve what she wants.’
Rose, who has been appointed an Ambassador for the charity Fight for Sight, after she and her family raised over £80k for the charity, supported by friends, family and fellow students was delighted with her award from the Girdlers’.
She said: “It was lovely for me and my family as we were all invited up to the awards ceremony in London. It was a wonderful occasion”.
Categories: Gordon's School School News
