Emotional ceremony sees Oldham Academy North rename theatre in honour of student Alisha Goup

E-ACT The Oldham Academy North (TOAN) in Oldham have renamed their theatre in honour of student, 16-year-old Alisha Goup, who tragically died in a hit and run incident in February. 

A ceremony was held at the school, which is part of E-ACT,a family of 28 academies, with students, staff and her family in attendance to unveil the Alisha Goup Lecture Theatre. 

Alisha’s younger brother revealed her memorial plaque at the theatre which was covered in blue organza, her favourite colour. 

The school also created a memorial card for the event, which featured a poem written by Alisha’s siblings. 

A cake was also kindly donated by Desi Cakes and Shakes, Chadderton, from the parents of another student at the school.

The school have spoken about how special Alisha was, stating that she was an intelligent, hardworking and dedicated student who would produce the most beautifully organised work. 

She achieved great academic results and was a role model to others.  

Many of her teachers have paid tribute to her.

Her history teacher said she was “always giggling”. 

Her maths teacher said she had a “quick and dry sense of  humour and enjoyed making people laugh”. 

Miss O’Malley called her the “perfect student” who had “blossomed into an amazing person”.  

She said Alisha was “determined to make her family proud”.  

Jessica Giraud, Headteacher at E-ACT The Oldham Academy North, said: “The death of any young person is tragic; loss of life before it has really begun is always heart breaking. 

"Her death had a huge impact within the academy and her family’s strength through this ordeal has been incredible.  

“Personally, I felt profound grief which was also palpable all around the academy, and we all wanted to do something to honour Alisha permanently. 

"I hope renaming our theatre in her honour lets her family know how much she meant to us.”

Tom Campbell, CEO of E-ACT, said: “Alisha’s death is such a tragic example of a promising life cut short and I know that nothing can heal the pain her family is experiencing. 

"I am glad that TOAN has made a permanent tribute to Alisha and held this ceremony to celebrate her memory.”

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.