STUDENTS REWARDED
THE Co. Louth Adult Learning Service held their annual Student Awards Night in the d Hotel, Drogheda. The ceremony was opened by Maria Morgan who is currently on a career break and is the previous Adult Literacy Organiser for the Centre of Further Education in King St.
Maria introduced Sharon Tolan, the new Chairperson of Louth Meath Education & Training Board and the director of further education for LMETB, Sadie Ward Mc Dermott who both expressed their delight to be able to attend the ceremony and be part of such a proud night for students. Maria then introduced the author Deirdre Purcell who was there as guest of honour on the night to launch a book of poetry and writing compiled by the students of LMETB.
Maria spoke about the commitment of the adults who had returned to education and thanked their family members for the support they have given the learners over the past year allowing them to pursue their goals in education. Maria also spoke of the difficulty of her decision to step away from her role in adult education as she pursues other interests, and also how she misses all in King Street.
Maria remembered two of the learners who sadly have passed away in recent months and a candle was lit for both Stuart Seery and Przemyslaw Kalinski by their friends and family. This was followed by a minutes silence in their honour.
The awarding of the certificates followed as students were proudly clapped and cheered by their friends and families.
The author Deirdre Purcell then spoke to the students saying she was genuinely moved by the atmosphere of pride present in the room. She spoke of the self-belief that it takes for an adult to take that first step back to education and also of the courage required to admit to others that “I need help”.
She then read a selection of pieces from the book which is titled “Well on the Way” and follows a previous edition launched a couple of years ago called “Getting There”. Deirdre finished up by reading a moving piece written by recently deceased Stuart Seery along with some of the lovely tributes paid to him by his fellow classmates. A copy of the book was then given out to all present in the room.
Maria closed the proceedings by thanking all of the speakers, the tutors, administration staff of LMETB, the learners and their families.