Variety show in memory of popular student (From Malvern Gazette)

Variety show in memory of popular student

10:20am Wednesday 11th July 2007 in News By Lindsay Holder

THE Chase Technology College was filled with music, laughter and colour as students and staff celebrated the life of a popular and much-loved pupil.

The whole school was left in shock when 15 year-old Tammatari Holmes, known as Tammy, was struck by a mystery illness, and died suddenly, at the end of February.

Hundreds of people packed into the school hall, on Friday, June 29, to enjoy a variety show, organised by friends and staff, in her memory.

Students took to the stage alongside teachers to perform their own tribute act, including lively dance routines, songs, and comedy.

Staff donned full-blown pantomime costume to perform their unique version of Roald Dahl's Cinderella, from Revolting Rhymes.

Tammy's father John performed a moving song for his daughter, accompanied by his son, Kevin, who is a year 9 pupil at the school.

Oui Holmes, Tammy's mother, prepared a selection of Thai food, to sell on the night, and a raffle was held.

Assistant headteacher, Mike Woods, said: "It was a tremendous community effort, with students from years 9 and 10 performing alongside parents and teachers."

Tammy's head of year, Andy Collard, said pupils and teachers had been trying to think of the best way to celebrate her life, and thought the show was an ideal way to pay tribute.

"She was so bubbly and full of life, we wanted to do something really fun to remember her," he said.

So far, the show has raised £3,500 to pay for the education of a boy and girl in a small Thai village, that Tammy's mother has links with.