Published: Wednesday, 2nd June, 2010 5:00pm

St. Bricin's awards and graduation 2010

The first year Star Student Award, presented by Kay Mitchell, was shared by Shauna and Michelle Brady.

The 2010 St. Bricin's students awards were presented at a ceremony in the school last week. Students had their academic and sporting achievements in the school recognised in the ceremony.

The guest speaker was Kay Mitchell, NUI Maynooth, who presented the Student of the Year award, sponsored by NUI Maynooth. Kay spoke about the long tradition that existed between the school and the university. Many St. Bricin's students are also graduates of NUI Maynooth. She said that we had shared the small educational institution for a long time and that students benefited greatly from the pastoral care structure that small rural secondary schools could deliver.

Kay said she was greatly impressed with the progress she had observed over recent years in the growth and development of not only the school building but the innovation and enthusiasm of the staff. She also referred to the recent visit of the admissions officer of NUI Maynooth, John McGinnity, to meet parents and teachers about the Laptop Initiative for all incoming first year students over the next five years.

Kay wished the school staff well and looked forward to seeing the progress on the cross-border projects involving the university and St. Bricin's from September next.

Congratulating all the students on their hard work and achievements, the principal, Mary Sheridan, also wished them luck in their forthcoming exams. "My greatest wish for each and every student leaving us this year is that you will have a happy and healthy life and be fulfilled in whatever career path you choose. You are venturing out in difficult times so be courageous and open to change and new challenges. Work hard, stay grounded, travel and experience the wider world through time," she said.