GRADUATING CLASS SAYS FAREWELL
THE ceremony for Coláiste Chraobh Abhann’s Graduation Class of 2018 took place on Thursday, May 24, when achievements were celebrated, fun memories rekindled and emotional farewells shared by all.
The theme of the ceremony was ‘ Taking Flight,’ with an airport destination board backdrop announcing that that Flight Number 240518 was ready to board. The ceremony was opened by the beautiful singing of Glenda Tigirigi, followed by readings and offerings by sixth year students and class tutors, wishing each graduating student advice and best wishes for their future.
Class tutors Ms O’Driscoll, Ms Phillips, Mr Brophy, Mr Halpin and Mr McRory then called their class rollcall for the very last time and each student was presented with their graduation cert and medal.
Rev William Bennett gave a thought-provoking address to the students, telling them that if there are turbulent times ahead, never to be afraid to ask for help and support to help them through.
Molly Hayes gave a wonderful reading of a poem she wrote for the occasion, before the final address by Head Boy and Head Girl, Brian Short and Jade Byrne, thanked everyone for the memories shared and the friendships wrought in the past six years, with special recognition given to their year heads for sixth year and fifth year, Ms McCormack and Mr Evoy respectively.
Mr Eivers stressed the importance of travel and education in his address, with a few funny observation being read out from the Graduation Year Book to the embarrassment of a few blushing students.
Parents Helen Crimes and Áine Conway addressed the class, while board of management member Shay Cullen acknowledged the ‘ two captains’ of the flight – Mr Eivers and Ms Buckley – who, he said, go above and beyond to support each student who steps through the doors of Coláiste Chraobh Abhann.
Ms Buckley then awarded Kate Toner a cert for full attendance over her entire six years in CCA. Mr Eivers awarded the Gradam Speisialta (an award for outstanding achievement) to Aoife Cullinan, Brian Short and Molly Hayes, before Year Head Margaret McCormack presented the the awards for Rogha na Bliana (student of the Year Award) to Mark Brady and Kate Toner.
The evening was brought to a close with a selection of songs from Luke Byrne with the accompaniment of a number of sixth year singers. Thanks have been extended to everyone involved in the organisation of the ceremony: Mr Eivers and Ms Buckley; year heads Ms McCormack and Mr Evoy; sixth year class tutors Ms O’Driscoll, Ms Phillips, Mr McRory, Mr Brophy and Mr Halpin; Ms Tarrant, Mr McRory and the sixth year art students who created the ‘Taking Flight’ artwork; Ms Reilly and Molly Hayes, who designed the Graduation Year Book; the musicians, Prefect Team and the parents’ council.