Students honoured for success in exams, music and sports
STUDENTS at St Mary’s Secondary School were honoured for their achievements over the past year at the school’s annual awards nigh held in the school recently.
The awards recognise achievements of the 2016/17 school year. More than 200 girls who excelled in many facets of school life received awards.
Principal John Michael Porter welcomed parents, students, family and staff to the event. Mr Porter also welcomed past pupil, Ms Louise Ryan Hurley to address the gathering. Louise, who is currently the Financial Controller in Waterford Financial Controller in Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort, spoke of her fond memories as a student in St Mary’s and her career path since leaving the school. In an inspiring speech Louise encouraged all the students to work hard, follow their dreams and to believe that they can achieve in any chosen career.
On behalf of the school, Mr Porter presented Ms Ryan Hurley with a bouquet of flowers.
He said the students always achieved quality in learning, acted justly and responsibly, showed respect to others, exhibited a growth in spiritual and human development or helped to create a caring community.
Academic awards were presented by the Year Heads. These awards recognised the sustained work ethic of students and an aptitude for learning. The awards also recognised students who were striving for excellence and displayed an enthusiasm for learning.
82 awards were presented for excellence in 1st Year, 2nd Year and 5th year. 16 girls were recognised for outstanding results in the Junior Certificate and Sinead Desmond Lyng from Ballykelly was presented with the Best Junior Certificate award.
14 girls were honoured for excellent results in their Leaving Certificate with point totals well over 500 points and Aoife Molloy, Oldcourt, received the distinction of Best Leaving Certificate. Awards for academic excellence for self-directed learning and diligence in the ‘Striving for Excellence’ category were awarded to Leah Whelan, Saltmills, Ophelia Bate, Ballycullane and Emma Mythen, Clongeen.
Awards for attendance were awarded to 33 students for full attendance. Features of this award include recognition of full attendance for two years to Caoimhe Larkin, Clonroche, Emma McDonald, Terrerath and Eimear McPhillips, MacMurroughs Island, Caoimhe Lyng, Newtown Commons and Róisín Connick, Ballylane East.
Three year full attendance awards were presented to Ciara Murphy Smithers, Myler’s Park, Belinda Nolan, Ballykelly, Kasey O’Connor, Newtown Commons, Niamh Byrne, Aclamon and Elaine Quigley, Clonroche.
Four year full attendance awards were presented to Kate Hendrick, Whitemoor and Cliodhna Rowe, Campile.
A special awards was presented to Rachel Erskine, Cushinstown for six years full attendance.
Leadership awards were presented to the Student Prefect team: Orla O’Donnell, Graiguenamanagh, Ciara Walsh, Fethard-on-Sea, Ruth Flynn, Clonroche, Gillian Barry, Fethardon-Sea, Méibh Madigan, Lacken, Head Girl, Caoimhe Doyle, Clonroche and Aoife Kehoe, Cushinstown; Deputy Head Girls Orla O’Donnell, Graiguenamanagh, Ciara Walsh, Fethard on Sea, Ruth Flynn, Clonroche and Gillian Barry, Fethard-on-Sea, who held Prefect roles.
Spirit of Caring, Sharing and Friendship Awards were awarded to girls who gave up their time voluntarily to provide valued services for the school committee. Students’ work in such areas as the Library, School Shop, Credit Union and Green School was recognized with awards.
Awards were presented to the Library committee of Hayleigh Bawden, Ballyhack, Laura Callaghan, Southknock, Julianne Dempsey, Dunganstown, Róisín Fitzpatrick, Tullogher, Aoife Molloy, Oldcourt, Ciara Murphy, Inistioge, Tríona Murphy, New Ross, Jade Stafford, Campile, Róisín Stephenson, Raheen, Lauren