Students Shine at KCETB Student of the Year Awards
Thirteen Students Awarded across Kilkenny and Carlow schools
The KCETB Student of the Year Awards took place at the Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny on Friday (5 Sept) afternoon. Thirteen students, each of whom have made a difference to their school community, were awarded for their respective post-primary schools in counties Kilkenny and Carlow.
Now in its twelfth year, KCETB’s Student of the Year Award recognises personal and academic achievement. It is awarded to the student who has contributed to their school in a meaningful way during their time in post-primary education. It recognises skills and talents; dedication and determination; academic achievements; extra-curricular activities; generosity of spirit; kindness to others; willingness to take an active part in school life; and the student’s capacity to make a difference to their school community. Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB) provides full-time educational services across 13 post-primary schools in both counties.
The special honour was bestowed on thirteen students who each received a specially commissioned silver medal.
Alison Malone, Grennan College
Damon Mac Mathuna, Gaelcholáiste Cheatharlach
David Boland, Coláiste Mhuire
Dylan Jenkins, Coláiste Aindiú
Hannah Doyle, Tyndall College
Isabelle O’Brien, Abbey Community College
Jody Brooks, Duiske College
Max O’Keeffe, Scoil Aireagail
Megan Farrell, Kilkenny City Vocational School
Ned Murray O’Shea, Coláiste Cois Siúire
Ruby Connolly, Coláiste Eoin
Tomás Ó hÓldáin, Coláiste Pobal Osraí
The students, along with their parents, school principals and deputy principals, were welcomed by the acting Chief Executive and Director of Schools, Dr. Pauline Egan, and the chair of its Board Cllr Andrea Dalton.
Speaking on Friday afternoon Dr. Pauline Egan said: “The Student of the Year award is not just about academic achievement but also about the contribution which each one of you has made to the life of your school. The selection process is never easy, and your nominations are all the more special because of this.
This is an award which speaks of your commitment, your dedication and your determination to play a positive role in the life of the school. It also reflects your capacity and generosity in contributing to the extra-curricular life of the school. It is in essence about the capacity that each one of you has shown to be role models and make a difference”.
School principals praised their student’s valued and varied achievements, the contribution they made during their time in secondary school and the leadership they showed. As chairperson of KCETB Board, Cllr Andrea Dalton presented the students with their medals. Speaking at the event, she said: “Each of the thirteen students we honour here today has been chosen as the Student of the Year for their school – a remarkable achievement that speaks not only to academic success, but also to their character, leadership, and contribution to school life. They are role models for their peers; and ambassadors for the values that KCETB schools strive to uphold.”
KCETB acting Chief Executive Pauline Curtis congratulated each one of the students on their remarkable achievements over their time at school.