It’s a first-class honour for top attendee Joshua
17-year-old has never missed a day at school
Joshua Kirwan with his awards With his classmates Joshua and principal Eilis Flood A TEEN has received a top gong for never missing a day of school in 13 years.
Joshua Kirwan was given the Lifetime Achievement in Attendance Award at the end of year prize-giving ceremony at Scoil Ui Mhuiri in Dunleer, Co Louth, on Tuesday night.
As well as five years in post-primary education, the accolade also covered his eight years at Callystown National School in Clogherhead.
And not only did the 17-year-old not miss a day, but he was never late in all that time.
Joshua said: “I always enjoyed school, meeting up with my friends and would always like to think I was a hard worker.
“As the years went by and I kept getting recognition for not missing a day, it became like a competition for me to beat. I didn’t want to miss a day and break that record.
“Thankfully I hadn’t any serious illnesses in school term. I even managed to get the chickenpox during the school holidays.
AMAZING
“My mum always told me that if I commit to something and put my name to anything, I should give it 100% so I try to live up to that.”
The teenager is now gearing up for his Leaving Certificate and hopes the full attendance will be to his benefit.
He added: “I haven’t missed a day schooling so hopefully all that education will stand to me in the Leaving Certificate.
“I’ve had a lot of support and encouragement over the years, from my parents, teachers and sports coaches so a big shout out to them too.
“Even in sport, it could be wet and windy weather that you wouldn’t put a dog out in but I’ve never missed training.
“My motto was always get up, lace up and show up.”
Scoil Ui Mhuiri principal Eilis Flood said: “It very rare to see a student who hasn’t missed a day at all in both national and post-primary education.
“Joshua is an amazing allrounder both academically, sporting and socially.
“He is great craic but also enormously respectful and polite and we have no doubt any employer will be delighted to have him in whatever career path he chooses.”
CO LOUTH YESTERDAY
years unbroken attendance for Joshua at school
Record for attendance at Callystown National School & Scoil Ui Mhuiri
It became like a competition .. I didn’t want to miss a day JOSHUA KIRWAN