Talented pupil Kirsty on track for once-in-a-lifetime Costa Rica trip

An ambitious Angus pupil is working hard to realise her dream of becoming a primary school teacher by fundraising for a “once-in-a-lifetime” volunteering project in Costa Rica.

Kirsty Denoon, a sixth-year pupil at Brechin High School, will spend a month in the Central American country next summer.

She has raised two-thirds of the £4,500 needed to fund her trip, which will give her valuable life skills she hopes to pass on to others.

As well as studying for three Highers, attending Dundee and Angus College weekly to gain a qualification in childcare and education, and working every Friday afternoon at a pre-school nursery in Forfar, the 17-yearold has raised £3,000 of her target.

During the October school holiday she ran a successful charity shop and has used her birthday and Christmas money to help boost her funds. She also received sponsorship from Matrix in Brechin for a mud run at Errol and has run a cake sale at school.

Kirsty’s trip with Camps International will see her work with locals on projects to overcome significant basic human needs, including access to clean water, housing, education and environmental issues.

She said : “Camps International came and did a presentation at school and I knew it was something I wanted to do. I am looking forward to the trip. It will be a once-in-alifetime experience.”

Kirsty’s efforts have had the support of the local community and she is planning to hold a ceilidh at the end of the year to help her reach her fundraising target.

Picture: Paul Reid. Kirsty Denoon has raised £3,000 so far.