Kerry Education and Training Board (Kerry ETB) celebrated the achievements of students from across the county at its Annual Student Awards Ceremony, held at Killarney Community College on Thursday, 12 March.
The event recognised excellence across a wide range of areas including academic achievement, leadership, school ethos, sport, technology, languages across schools, and Youthreach programmes. Students from Kerry ETB’s eight post-primary schools and Youthreach centres were honoured for their dedication, talent and contribution to school life.
Michael Moynihan TD, Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth with special responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion, attended as Guest of Honour and presented awards to students representing schools and Youthreach Centres across the county.
Guest of Honour, Minister Moynihan, congratulated the students and acknowledged the important role schools play in supporting young people to achieve their potential: “I want to warmly congratulate every student who received an award in recognition of their success achieved throughout the school year. It’s wonderful to see the wide range of talent and skills across the Kerry ETB network. These awards showcase not only the students’ hard work but also the commitment of the schools and Youthreach programmes in enabling every learner to fulfil their potential. The future is undoubtedly in safe hands.”
The ceremony highlighted the diverse talents of learners across the Kerry ETB network, with awards presented for Junior Cycle Academic Achievement, Transition Year Achievement, Youthreach Achievement, Leadership through Student Councils, Sporting Excellence and subject-specific excellence in areas such as science, mathematics, business, technology, languages, arts and social sciences. The evening also recognised outstanding academic performance, with Gold Medal awards presented for Best Overall Academic Student.
David Hunt, a Coláiste na Ríochta student, who co-hosted the ceremony, said: “It was a real honour to be part of the awards and to represent our school on the stage. The evening showed just how much talent there is across Kerry ETB schools, and it was great to celebrate that with students from across the county.”
Con Moynihan, Director of Schools, Youth and Music at Kerry ETB, said the awards reflect the broad range of talents within the organisation’s schools and centres.
“The Kerry ETB Student Awards celebrate excellence in many forms. While academic success is important, we also recognise leadership, creativity, participation and the positive contribution students make to school life. It is wonderful to see such a wide range of achievements represented across our schools and Youthreach centres.”
Students from Castleisland Community College, Causeway Comprehensive School, Coláiste Gleann Lí, Coláiste na Ríochta, Coláiste na Sceilge, Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí, Killarney Community College and Killorglin Community College, along with learners from Youthreach centres in Killarney, Listowel and Tralee, were among those recognised.
Kerry ETB extended its congratulations to all award recipients and thanked staff, families and school communities for their continued support in nurturing the talents and ambitions of young people across the county.
Photo By: Domnick Walsh @ Eye Focus LTD
Pictured: Con Moynihan Kerry ETB , Anne O’Dwyer CEO Kerry ETB , Michael Moynihan TD, Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth with special responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion and Norma Moriarty Chair Kerry ETB at the Kerry ETB Celebrates Student Achievement at Annual Awards.