Top pupils are honoured

CLARE pupils proved they were top of the class when they received awards for achievement and contribution to their academies during their time in second-level education.
A scroll and silver medal were presented by Clare Vocational Education Committee to the pupils in each of its eight academies with highest 2010 Leaving Certificate results and a similar merit award went to the Leaving Certificate pupils nominated for outstanding participation and contribution during their time in each of these centres of education.
Another round of awards went to Junior Certificate pupils for excellence of results in that examination in 2010. Parents, family members and friends gathered for the presentations in Woodstock Hotel, Ennis.
The principals and in some instances the vice-principals or other senior staff of the eight academies introduced the Leaving Certificate and merit award winners and recited citations grounding their selection.
Also, 20 pupils from around the county, double that of 2009, were presented with ­certificates recognising A grade achievement at higher level in the 2010 Junior Certificate examination Irish papers.
The trophy for highest number of pupils getting the top grade went to Gaelcholáiste an Chláir on the campus of Ennis Community College.
Speakers described the awards as recognition of self-development and generating special talents. Parental motivation and input were also recognised.
They underlined that the ethos of the colleges needed to be carried forward to each succeeding generation and that pupils receiving awards had made a positive contribution to that aspiration.
The chief executive officer of Clare Vocational Education Committee, George O’Callaghan, who welcomed the attendance, said it was fitting that the committee recognise, appreciate and award the pupils for their efforts and achievements.
The ceremony was also an occasion to give due recognition to the parents.
“You should be justifiably proud of your sons’ and daughters’ achievements,” he said. “For our part, we appreciate the support you afforded them throughout their second-level career.”
The ceremony also affirmed the great work of the ­principals and staffs in their seven community colleges and one vocational school, he added.
Although most pupils receiving awards had now completed their studies with the Vocational Education Committee, that body would always be interested in their progress in life, he said.
“This is a special time,” he went on, “when we pause to celebrate the committee’s and the academies’ greatest asset and resource – its people. It is the outstanding quality, achievement and dedication of pupils and teachers of these academies that enables them to make a singular contribution to education in the county.
“The ceremony, therefore, is an occasion to give due recognition to those pupils for their work and achievements. We should not underestimate their work and commitment in facing the challenges of education.
“At the very core of our mission as a vocational education committee is the education of our pupils.
“The calibre of our activities as colleges is very dependent on the strength of the pupils’ work and dedication.
“I hope that you will cherish and keep this award you are receiving this evening,” he told the pupils.
“Look upon it as the first of many. It will form part of the building blocks of your progress through education and, indeed, life.”
Councillor Tommy Brennan, Mayor of Ennis and chairman of the vocational education committee, formally made the presentations, after which there was a reception for pupils, parents, guardians, family members and all other guests.
Leaving Certificate awards: Michael McCormack, Ennistymon Vocational School; Muhammed Reda Khalifi Talaki, Ennis Community College; Iseult Ní Choitir, Gaelcholáiste an Chláir; Mark O’Connor, St Anne’s Community College, Killaloe; Liam Hanrahan, St Joseph’s Community College, Kilkee; Laura King, St John Bosco Community College, Kildysart;  Eva Harkness, Scariff Community College; Gearóid Ryan, St Michael’s Community College, Kilmihil.
Merit awards: David Curtin, Ennistymon Vocational School; Tomás Dormer, Ennis Community College; Sorcha de Poire, Gaelcholáiste an Chláir; Jared Nadin, St Anne’s Community College, Killaloe;  Clodagh McGuire, St Joseph’s Community College, Kilkee; Marianne McMahon, St John Bosco Community College, Kildysart; Sarah Madden, Scariff Community College; Eileen Kelly, St Michael’s Community College, Kilmihil.
Certificates in recognition of A grade at higher level Irish, 2010 Junior Certificate: Gaelcholáiste an Chláir: Emily Hull, Seán Mhaoir, Muireann Ní Choitir, Emma Ní Mhaileoin, Aoife Ní Úallacháin, Seán Ó Cacháin, Francis Ó Cuinneagáin, Jordan Ó Duinnín, Micheál Ó hÓgáin; Coláiste Phobal Cill an Dísirt, Sarah Meaney, Niamh Kelly, Louise Griffin; St Anne’s Community College, Killaloe: Róisín Healy, Claudia Kinahan, Marie McKeogh, Mark Sartini; St. Joseph’s Community College, Kilkee, Ailish Brew; Scariff Community College, Aoife O’Halloran and Gráinne Keehan; St Michael’s Community College, Kilmihil, Una Kelly.
Junior Certificate Awards 2010 for excellence of results: Ennis Community College, Alex Bitter; Ennistymon Vocational School, David Callinan; Gaelcholáiste an Chláir, Aoife Ní Úallacháin; St. Anne’s Community College, Killaloe, a tie, William Denning and Marie McKeogh; St Joseph’s Community College, Kilkee, John McDonnell; St John Bosco Community College, Kildysart, Niamh Kelly; Scariff Community College, Aoife O’Halloran; St Michael’s Community College, Kilmihil, Una Kelly.