In memory of David Shrestha Year 11

Royal School Dungannon 2013-16

On Saturday 10 September we learned of the sad news of David’s passing. David’s loss is a huge blow to this school and our community. Staff and pupils have been comforting one another with much support from parents, church and community leaders and counsellors. Our thoughts and prayers have been with the Shrestha family – Abraham, Kate, Jono, Grace and Sarah – and the broader family circle and friends.

David made a huge contribution to RSD and in the broader community through church and sporting activities. He was probably at his happiest in RSD with a rugby ball in hand. He had captained his year group and had just been voted Vice Captain for the forthcoming Medallion season. Over the past 3 years he inspired his teammates and turned in many man of the match performances. But he was also keen to train, to learn more and to improve. His mix of skills – pace, handling, footwork, an eye for the gap, fearless in the tackle – plus that brilliant attitude to training and improving marked him out as a potential star of the future. It was no surprise to see David selected for the Ulster U16 development squad this summer.

On the rugby field David was an inspiration to his teammates.

David also was involved in cricket and House sports at RSD and his swimming was outstanding. He was also a member of the Scripture Union. Both in swimming and his faith he had a broader connection to the wider Dungannon community through his church, St Anne’s, and to local swimming clubs. Everyone who met him enjoyed his company. His enthusiasm and bright personality made others happy; his consideration of others made them feel special.

In his school work David was the personification of our school motto ‘perseverando’. He never gave up and always pushed himself, even when he found some of the work tough. But his teachers saw his many merits. His summer report used words such as: “gifted pupil”; “hardworking and conscientious pupil”; “tries hard at all times”; “outstanding examination result”; “keen interest”; and “good progress”.

A self-portrait painted by David in Year 10 Art class.

All of us will have our memories of David. Staff and pupils have said to me about his politeness and manners, holding doors for people he didn’t know. One young pupil commented that she did not know David but recognised his photograph as the boy who had held a door open for her in her first week at her new school. He always smiled and said “thank you” as he left a class or returned from a trip. He did things without being asked – such as setting out kit and leading warm-up in training, all on his own initiative. He had natural leadership qualities and other pupils looked to him for a direction and looked up to him because of his character. He shouldered responsibility and showed maturity, even to the point of taking the blame for others (usually for his brother Jono) because for David that meant that the problem was sorted and we could all get on.

David was the best of RSD, in his attitude, his treatment of others and his enthusiasm. We will miss him.

Dr D Burnett

Headmaster