OSCAR nominee Lesley Paterson has received messages of support from pupils and staff at her former Stirling schools this week.
The screenwriter worked on All Quiet on the Western Front, alongside Edward Berger and Ian Stokell, with their work recently recognised with a BAFTA for Best Adapted Screenplay.
And the accolades may well keep coming this week with the film nominated for nine Academy Awards.
The story was adapted from a book Lesley first read growing up in Stirling, where she attended Allan’s Primary School and Stirling High School.
Lesley, who is also a world-class triathlete, has already promised pupils at Allan’s Primary a special assembly after the Oscars. She was contacted recently by headteacher Lindsey Howland and volunteered to tell pupils all about her big night.
The headteacher said: “We saw a feature with Lesley recently on BBC Breakfast and as she ran past Allan’s she proudly said: ‘That’s where I used to go to school!’
“We were able to connect with Lesley through one of our parents and we’re so excited that Lesley has agreed to speak to our young people about her Oscars experience – and her fascinating life to date.
“The children can’t wait. She’s such a motivational figure and is a great example to all young people on how hard work, perseverance and creativity can reap such fulfilling rewards.”
Paul Cassidy, the headteacher at Stirling High, added: “As a former pupil, Lesley is an inspiration to all our young people.
"We are so proud of all her achievements. Everyone at Stirling High would like to wish her all the best for the Oscars this weekend.”
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