LOUIS RETURN FOR AWARDS
While the sun shone and the students were getting used to life in a different building, St. Louis school had to continue with pre-planned events, one of which was the annual awards night. It was a glorious evening at the Castletown Road school, and after the recent fire, it would seem that nothing untoward had transpired were it not for a few visible boards on broken windows in the main building.
The students and their parents turned up in droves to enjoy the celebrations. As always students were acknowledged for their excellence both in and out of the classroom.
Academic Awards for the best Leaving Cert, Leaving Cert Applied and Junior Cert results from last year were presented. Oonagh Mathews was delighted to accept her award for Best Leaving Cert.
There were presentations made also to the high achievers from last year. Milena Salata, Eva Mc Caul and Niamh Rice amongst others were back and delighted to catch up with old friends in other years. Seoda Matthews left with a cabinet of glassware. An all-rounder, Seoda picked up awards for Instrumental Group, Sport, Academic Achievement and Endeavour. Her parents Jackie and Kevin were delighted. ‘She has been so happy here and we are grateful to all the wonderful staff of St Louis for looking after her so well always’, said her mother.
The Sr Clare Past Pupil Award this year was presented to Caroline Mc Elroy. She was presented with some beautiful Newbridge Silverware jewellery to mark the occasion, and spoke to the girls about the importance of following your dreams, and not being afraid to reinvent yourself, over and over as you see fit.
Dad Patrick Matthews was delighted to see both daughters on the stage collecting prizes this year – Ciara won the Academic Award in Fifth Year and her younger sister Aisling won the U14 Gaelic Award.
Interval acts for the evening were provided by Sixth Year Music students and senior council members.
Jolene Murtagh and Eimear Fealy performed a beautifully harmonised version of ‘ For Good’ from the hit West End musical ‘Wicked’ Head girl Isobel O Reilly performed a poignantly appropriate song called ‘Rise Up’ which had the audience spellbound.
Principal Michelle Dolan praised Isobel for her unceasing efforts all year for the students and the school.
Sporting awards were presented to Jewell Rosagaran who has been the backbone of many a team in her time at the school, and to Dairine White Seoda Matthews and Róisín Osbourne, who was recently awarded a scholarship to Maynooth on the strength of her sporting prowess.
Twins Ifi and Ije Enyouazu wond awards for both spikeball and basketball.
The Arts were not neglected either – there was an instrumental Award, and two seniors Brea Coburn and Dáiríne White were presented with the Art Award for their outstanding endeavour. Anneke Wisniewska was presented with the Environment Award.
The final award given every year is the St Louis Ethos award – given to the student whom staff feel most embodies the spirit of the school’s ethos. The three nominees were Eimear Fealy, Seoda Matthews and Jolene Murtagh, and the winner was Jolene. The principal spoke of her ‘wonderful spirit and presence, her willingness to be involved in everything and her kindness to all students and staff alike.’
At the end of the evening Ms. Dolan thanked parents and students alike for their understanding during the difficult times the school faced and reassured all those present that the school building would be back up and running and open for business in August.