St Mary’s 6th Year students celebrate virtual graduation
6TH YEARS in St. Mary’s Secondary School enjoyed a virtual Graduation with a mass streamed live from the New Ross Parish church and a Zoom meeting hosted from within the school to mark the end of their time in school.
The event replaced the customary in-school graduation night due to the current Covid-19 restrictions.
The mass in the church was celebrated by Mons. Joe Mc Grath with the liturgy prepared by the school’s Religion department. Principal John Michael Porter, welcomed the school community who were linking in via the Parish church live feed service.
Ms Lyng and her 6th year Music class – Peig Delaney, Belinda Nolan, Kate Galavan, Niamh Lyng and Emily Crowdle – provided the hymns and music. The readings were read by Sarah Sutton and Sinead Murphy and the prayers of the faithful were read by Luka Pranciliauskas, Elena Kenny and Roisin Parker.
Head Girl, Elaine Quigley spoke on behalf of the 6th Year group and recalled the many happy events, memories and occasions throughout their time in St. Mary’s. She also thanked all the teachers and staff for their help, care and attention through the years and thanked all the parents and friends for their unwavering support.
Mr Porter said: ‘ The celebration provided an opportunity to be thankful for the gifts and talents that the girls have received, to pray for those in need at this difficult time and to seek guidance for the future.’
Later the year group and staff joined in a Zoom meting where the focus was on connecting with the large group. This ‘meeting’ gave an opportunity for staff and students to say thanks, to offer words of advice and to reinforce the determination to have a more normal celebration when the opportunity arrives. Mr Deavy was thanked for his co-ordination of the event as was Mr. Murphy who provided technical support.
Mr Porter, said: ‘It was a wonderful night in the current circumstances. It was very emotional. It wasn’t the normal rite of passage event for our girls but we felt it was important to give a sense of closure allied with the expression of our continued support. The girls took the opportunity to dress up, share messages across social media and spend time together.
‘I’m sure that when the school Zoom call ended the girls continued to communicate with each other within their own friendship groups. The reactions from students, parents and staff were very positive and we were delighted to get an opportunity to honour a fantastic group of girls. I focused on three words during the mass and in my speech on Zoom: courage, faith and hope. I don’t think anyone will forget 2020 and the Class of 2020 have shown the strength, resilience and humour to go forward with courage, faith and hope.’
The Sports Person of the Year award went to Owen Whitty, an extremely talented young footballer, hurler and basketball player. The St James’ man has represented Wexford at Minor Hurling and at Wexford Schools level and is certainly one to watch for the future.
The Student of the Year went to the very popular Craig Bradley, Newbawn, who was voted for by students and teachers alike. He was recognized as being hard-working, conscientious, witty and good-humored, a real team player and friend.
A school spokesperson said: ‘He has been a fantastic ambassador, for not only the school, but also his club, Adamstown, and county, in many sporting activities.’
Ms. O Connor concluded the evening by wishing the Class of 2020 best wishes for the future.