Co Antrim school's new facilities opened after donation from family of well-known author: ‘You have to stand up for what you believe'
They were provided at Integrated College Glengormley with assistance from Niall Leonard, and officially opened by comedian Tim McGarry.
Mr Leonard penned the Crusher trilogy of crime novels, and his other credits include Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed, as well as TV dramas Silent Witness, Hornblower and Monarch of the Glen.
The donation means pupils will benefit from the new Leonard Sports Pitches, as well as the Rose Maguire 6th Form Suite.
There will also be an annual 'Contribution to the ICG Way' award.
He said his family's long-standing support for integrated education was the inspiration.
He added: 'That's what Ma and Da Leonard tried to teach us — you have to stand up for what you believe and you have to act on your beliefs.
'That's what the Spirit of ICG is about and why we want to acknowledge those pupils who best embody and demonstrate those values of openness, curiosity, willingness to learn, not fearing what's new or different, rejecting prejudice and building community.'
The award will be given annually to a pupil for their dedication to integration.
The 6th form suite, named after Mr Leonard's mum, is comprised of a study area, computer room and garden.
IC Glengormley principal Rickey Massey said: 'The family have been supporters of this college for many years and their kind donations have made a huge difference to the students.'
Watch: Lady Mary Peters visits NI school 50 years on
Paul Caskey, chief executive of the Integrated Education Fund, added: 'The Leonard family have been friends of IEF for a very long time and we want to thank them for their unwavering support and commitment to integrated education.
'Their support for Integrated College Glengormley is an inspiring way to honour the memory of their parents by investing in the future of the students going to school here.'
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