Sixth Years students with their Form Teachers Ms McGowan, Mr O'Hara, Mr Grimes, Ms Caherly and Ms Egan, their Year Head Ms McCarthy, Deputy Principals Ms O'Boyle and Mr Byrne and the Principal Mr Nealon gathered one last time to celebrate some special achievements by their peers. They were joined virtually by family, friends, Teachers, members of the Board of Management and Mr Gerry McGuill representing CEIST. The Award ceremony honours the work ethic and commitment shown by some very talented students. These students made a positive contribution in different ways to school life and even Covid-19 cannot let this go unrecognised. We hope the students always remember the tributes paid to them by the Presenters of these Awards your extra efforts did not go unnoticed. Congratulations. Be proud.
Mr Byrne, Deputy Principal presented this award to Thomas Rice on behalf of Mr Woods. Mr Woods congratulated Thomas on his pursuit of excellence, his choice of bespoke electric guitar as his final project. The finished product is a testament to Thomas' skills, his committed endless patience.
Karla Louise Kirwan is this years recipient of this annual award. Mr Byrne proudly presented this award. He commended Karla on her work ethic,' Nobody worked harder or was more enthusiastic'. He described Karla as a naturally talented Artist who is consistently outstanding in every artistic discipline.
Mr Byrne presented the Design and Communication Graphics award to Charlie Hand on behalf of Mr Madden. Mr Madden commended Charlie for his high levels of maturity, interest, motivation, work ethic, respect and responsibility evident since first year. Mr Madden wished him and the LC Group 2021 well as they go forward with their lives.
The Inaugural Computer Science award was presented by Mr Murray to Raheem Olabanji. Mr Murray arrived to St Josephs with this group in 2015 and has watched with pride as Raheem developed his coding skills since then, describing him as a generous student always willing to help others.
Victoria Daniel accepted the Music award from Ms Murphy, who described Victoria as full of talent, determination, positivity and loads of fun. She made reference to two stand out performances one in 'Dancing Queen' the TY Musical, the other 'Fields of Hope' at the Remembrance Mass in November. Ms Murphy praised Victoria's ability of evoke emotion, indeed more than one teacher teared up listening to Victoria perform at Graduation.
Mr Reade presents the Prosper Fingal 'Making a Difference' award to Lauren Cullen Brown. He describes Lauren as ' bringing energy, inclusivity and kindness to her peer group'. She launched 'Friendly Voices' with Ms Cuttliffe, she shone in Uganda. Lauren has the ability to meaningfully connect with others. She continues to make a difference.
Mr Byrne presented this award to Rachel Dillion, describing her as a vibrant leader of the student community, a focal point. She has found her voice and has helped others to find theirs, her shining example embodies the spirit of St Josephs'. She is the spirit of St Josephs.
This award is presented to the student who is deemed to best embody the CEIST Charter values. Ms O'Boyle Deputy Principal presented the award to Sean O'Dea on behalf of Mr Gerry McGuill, a video link allowed Mr McGuill to explain that this award is awarded to ' a remarkable young person who develops faith through the consistency and honesty of his actions. His positive contribution to school life has been noticed.
Ms Kinsella presented this inaugural award to James Kinsella, who she says embodies resilience. He is flexible, adaptable, has a goal in sight and is prepared to work for it no matter what life brings. He helps create a strong sense of belonging.
Jade Clark excepted her Resilience award from Ms McGowan who described her pride watching Jade grow from first year and keep growing in spite of Life's inevitable challenges. This was so evident when this years events challenged everyone, Jade made her Teachers proud to work with her.
Ms McGowan as Leaving Certificate Applied Co-ordinator presented with pride a Student of the Year award to Aidan Harford who she described as a valued member of the cohort. She praised his ability to make everybody feel included. Aidan took every opportunity available to him, his growth into this mature young man is a source of pride to all his teachers.
Student of the Year is a highly contested annual academic award and never more so than this year. Ms McCarthy took much delight in presenting this award to Thomas Rice who consistently produces excellent work across all this subjects. His motivation and work ethic an inspiration to his classmates and his teachers. Ms McCarthy predicts great things ahead for this stellar student.
The Principal's Award celebrates those students who stand out as having ambition, drive and resilience. They are 'big picture people with a positive world view' Mr Nealon proudly presented Daniel O' Brien with this prestigious award not offered every year. Mr Nealon confidently predicts Daniel will change the world.
The Sixth Year award winners bring honour to the whole school community, a credit to themselves, their families and their teachers. All who listened to the tributes paid to the students cannot fail to be impressed by the calibre of the recipients, the ceremony a fitting recognition of their achievements.