The gala evening, which was held at the EM Forster theatre in Tonbridge School, featured a variety of excerpts from shows that were put on during Mr Bovey’s headship.
A Night To Remember featured students and alumni performing alongside members of staff and former employees.
The current Headteacher, Hilary Burkett, said: “It was the school’s wish to commemorate the huge impact he had upon the school and its community, alongside supporting the fantastic facility of Hospice in the Weald, which served Stephen and his family well over many months.”
‘The atmosphere backstage was incredible. The wings were filled with ex-staff and students remembering those golden years together’
“Thanks must go to Tonbridge School for supporting this event, our present and past students and staff who performed in, compered and supported the event on the evening, Linda Stephenson, PA of both Mr Bovey and myself, and Hannah Rotchell, an ex-student who has retained her links with Hillview. Together they planned a truly wonderful, memorable event.
Mr Bovey’s family attended an unveiling of the renamed Bovey Studio Theatre at Hillview.
Choregrapher and show director Hannah Rotchell said: “It was a pleasure to direct this show on behalf of an incredibly inspiring Headteacher.
“I loved my time at Hillview and I was touched by the love and passion Steve showed towards the performing arts during my time there.
“This passion has forever stayed with me. I am fortunate enough to work in the performing arts world as a dancer, teacher and choreographer.
‘Steve will always be the Headteacher who allowed us to believe in ourselves and follow our dreams. What a truly remarkable man he was’
She added: “This show was an opportunity for all alumni to reunite and reminisce about what a wonderful school Hillview is.
“The atmosphere backstage was incredible. The wings were filled with ex-staff and students remembering those golden years together.
“Steve will always be the Headteacher who allowed us to believe in ourselves and follow our dreams. What a truly remarkable man he was.”
Chiara Creates, Relationship Fundraising Co-ordinator at the Hospice and a former pupil, said: “We are very grateful to Hillview. It was a beautiful evening which included wonderful song and dance performances as well as speeches and anecdotes remembering Stephen.
“Events like the one organised by Hillview are a touching way to remember a loved one.”
