Thirteen “future leaders” awarded across 13 Kilkenny and Carlow secondary schools
(Fri. 06 September, 2024) – Thirteen “future leaders” who have each made a difference to their school community have been awarded Student of the Year 2024 for their respective post-primary schools in counties Kilkenny and Carlow.
The ceremony, which took place in Woodford Dolmen Hotel Carlow at the weekend, was organised by Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB), the patron of 13 post-primary schools and the provider of adult and community further education and training, and youth services to 20,000 students annually across the two counties.
Now in its eleventh year, KCETB’s Student of the Year Award recognises personal and academic achievement and is awarded to the student who has contributed the most 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.
Bronnadh an onóir ar 13 dalta. Fuair siad bonn airgid coimisiúnaithe go speisialta lena n-ainm, teideal an ghradaim agus ainm na scoile greanta air. Seo a leanas na buaiteoirí:
- Caoimhe Hickey, Coláiste Mhuire, Johnstown, Co Kilkenny
- Aimee Dunne, Duiske College, Co. Kilkenny
- Sarah Meagher, Kilkenny City Vocational School
- Kieran Crowley, Scoil Aireagail, Ballyhale, Co Kilkenny
- Róisín Ní Shúilleabháin, Coláiste Pobail Osraí, Kilkenny city
- Conall Tobin, Grennan College, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny
- Eibhlín Holden, Coláiste Cois Siúire, Mooncoin, Co. Kilkenny
- Niamh Cuddihy, Abbey Community College, Ferrybank
- Christian Germaine, Tyndall College, Carlow
- Keelin Byrne, Coláiste Aindriú, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow
- Éoghan Grennan, Borris College, Co Carlow
- Dearbhla Ní Liatháin Ní Nualláin, Gaelcholáiste Cheatharlach, Carlow
- Adam Kinsella, Coláiste Eoin, Hacketstown, Co Carlow
The students, along with their parents and school principals and deputy principals, were welcomed by the chief executive of KCETB Eileen Curtis, the chair of its board Cllr Andrea Dalton, and its director of schools, Dr Pauline Egan.
Agus í ag cur fáilte rompu, mhínigh an Dr Egan an bhrí atá ag Gradam Dalta na Bliana. “Mar bhonn faoin misean atá ag scoileanna BOOCCC, tá an barr feabhais san oideachas, an cúram, comhionannas, muintearas agus meas. Is léiriú é Dalta na Bliana ar na luachanna seo, mar ní hamháin an barr feabhais acadúil atá i gceist leis ach tiomantas agus díograis an dalta chomh maith leis an méid atá bainte amach acu chun feabhas a chur ar phobal na scoile. Bhí sé deacair do na príomhoidí duine amháin a roghnú agus is léiriú é sin ar chuallacht na ndaltaí sna 13 scoil atá ag BOOCCC”, a dúirt an Dr Egan.
Each winner’s school principal gave a citation which outlined their student’s rich and varied achievements and the contribution they made during their time in secondary school. As chairperson of KCETB, Cllr Andrea Dalton presented each student with their medal. Cllr Dalton commented, “All of the recipients of Student of the Year are role models who represent the very best across our KCETB schools. They are young people to be proud of, full of hope and promise”.
Thréaslaigh Príomhfheidhmeannach BOOCCC Eileen Curtis leis na daltaí go léir agus thug sí “ceannairí an todchaí” orthu. San aitheasc a rinne sí dúirt sí, “Tar éis bheith ag éisteacht leis an ardlua seo, táim cinnte go bhfuil gach duine ar aon intinn gur daoine eisceachtúla iad na daoine óga seo agus go bhfuil siad n-ambasadóirí iontacha ag a scoileanna. Tá sé léirithe acu go bhfuil siad an-aibí agus go bhfuil scileanna ceannaireachta eisceachtúla acu, agus gur bhain siad lántairbhe as an bhfoghlaim fad is bhí siad ag freastal ar an meánscoil”.
She encouraged them to “continue to set high standards and confidently embrace the many opportunities which will present in the years ahead”. She concluded by wishing them well in their future studies and in their lives
Feature photograph: Standing: Dearbhla Ní Liatháin NíNualláin of Gaelcholáíste Cheatharlach, Keelin Byrne of Coláíste Aindriú, Adam Kinsella of Coláiste Eoin, Conall Tobin of Grennan College, Kieran Crowley of Scoil Aireagail, Christian Germaine of Tyndall College, Eibhlín Holden of Coláiste Cois Siúire, Caoimhe Hickey of Coláiste Mhuire
Seated: Aimee Dunne of Duiske College, Róisín Ní Shúilleabháin of Coláíste Pobail Osraí, Pauline Egan, Director of Schools KCETB, Cllr Andrea Dalton, Chairperson, KCETB, Eileen Curtis Chief Executive KCETB, Niamh Cuddihy of Abbey Community College, Éoghan Grennan of Borris College. Photograph: Patrick Browne