Twelve local students accept Gaisce awards

TWELVE inspirational students from schools in Wicklow have been presented with Gaisce Silver Medal President’s Awards for their outstanding community work and significant personal achievements at a special ceremony in The Helix.

The students from Colaiste Chill Mhantain, Coláiste Chraobh Abhann and Scoil Chonglais, were among a group of over 300 young people who were presented with their Silver Gaisce awards by Dublin GAA player, Jonny Cooper.

‘Gaisce – The President’s Award’ is a self-development programme that encourages young people to find their passion and make a difference in their community. Every year, hundreds of socially-aware and dedicated young people from around the country, between the ages of 15 and 25 step outside their comfort zone to make their community, and their country, a better place.

The Gaisce Silver Awardees successfully completed four challenge areas for 26 weeks or more – developing a personal skill, volunteering in their community and participating in physical activity. The awardees also embarked on a three-day outdoor adventure journey as part of their Gaisce challenge.

Jonny Cooper, a DCU graduate and guest speaker on the night, spoke of the hard work and dedication it took him to make his dreams a reality.

‘Seeing such determination and dedication in all these young people is so inspiring. It shows how, with enough hard work, focus and determination, you can, and will, achieve your dreams. I’d urge all those who received their Silver Award to continue on and go for gold, and never stop trying,’ he said.

Yvonne McKenna, Chief Executive of Gaisce – The President’s Award, prsied the Wicklow students for their hard work.

‘ The Gaisce awardees we celebrate tonight have risen to the challenge from the President of Ireland to dream big and fulfil their potential,’ she said.

‘They have shown enormous dedication, determination and hard work to complete their Silver Award Challenge and tonight is all about celebrating their achievements. In their pursuits, they have made Ireland a better place for a great many people,’ said Ms McKenna.

Clodagh Bradshaw, Áine Hughes, Ciara Kelly and Sinead Roche from Coláiste Chraobh Abhann with their President’s Award Leader, Deirdre Coyle, Jonny Cooper and Yvonne McKenna.

Anita Barrett, Jason Barrett, Abbie Byrne, Rúairí McCarthy-Griffin, Mairi McGowan, Aisling Murray and Róisín Phelan from Scoil Chonglais with Jonny Cooper and Yvonne McKenna, CEO of ‘Gaisce - The President’s Award’.

Matthew Nulty from Coláiste Chill Mhantáin with Jonny Cooper and Gaisce CEO Yvonne McKenna.