Zara takes 1st in national art competition
Zara Stapleton, a pupil of Presentation Primary School in Fermoy, is among the winners of the CPSMA National Art competition for 2024.
The second-class pupil took first prize in the junior classes section of the competition under ‘Ireland’s Got Saints’, with her beautiful depiction of St Brigid. On April 30, in the Galway Bay Hotel at the Catholic Primary Schools Management Association (CPSMA) Annual Conference, Zara was presented with her prize by Minister for Education, Norma Foley.
Principal of Presentation Primary School, Leona Uí Chonaill, said that the school are ‘so proud’ of Zara's achievement.
“We had so many lovely entries in the competition from all our students but the judges saw something special in Zara's portrait of St Brigid. Imagine, being a winner with over 3,000 entries!
“All staff and pupils in Presentation Primary are delighted for Zara and we know that she has a bright future ahead of her. Maith thú, Zara,” Ms Uí Chonaill said.
Despite over 3,000 entries in the section, Zara’s depiction of St Brigid struck a chord, claiming top place. And according to Zara’s class teacher, Ms Rena Kerins, the young pupil has shown plenty signs of creativity in school.
“Zara has always shown signs of creativity through art and drama in school. She is very imaginative and enjoys every aspect of the arts. She entered the CPSMA competition through the school and spent lots of time creating her beautiful picture of St. Brigid in class. We are so proud of Zara and know she has a bright future ahead of her,” Ms Kerins said.
This year’s competition called on pupils across the Catholic Primary Schools Man
agement Association contingent to use their imagination and creativity to depict their f avo u r - ite saints and saw a
strong response across respective age categories.