Economic future is assured

The economic future of Co. Cavan has to be in safe hands if the range and quality of ideas at the 2010 Student Enterprise Awards are any indication. There were 55 business projects from nine schools and more than 300 13 to 16-year-olds at the Slieve Russell Hotel on March 3 for the annual Cavan Enterprise Board event, and 15 awards at stake. The ideas were bang up to date in their concept and inspiration - many had strong eco-credentials, there were education and photography themes, folklore ideas and discount schemes from the following schools: St. Aidan's Comprehensive, Cootehill; Virginia College; Loreto College; St. Bricin's College, Belturbet; Breifne College, Cavan; St. Mogue's College, Bawnboy; St. Patrick's College, Cavan; Royal School, Cavan; and Bailieborough Community School. The judging panel had to critique three different groups, Junior, Intermediate and Senior, each split into five categories: special awards for Display and Innovation, two runner-up awards and the overall winner. All winners received engraved trophies and cash prizes. The Royal School clinched the top Junior award with Woodmen, which is producing handmade coasters, pencil holders and table centres using seasoned timber such as holly, whitethorn and ash. Each product is highly finished and made from 100% natural materials. The overall winner in the Intermediate category was Paul's Pix from Bailieborough Community School. Paul Smith is the driver of this venture, which provides a ranging photography services. Loreto College triumphed in the Senior category with Explore Go Leor, a cross curriculum activity pack aimed at children between eight and 11, designed to broaden their knowledge and imagination in a fun way. The pack consists of a booklet, pencil and board game all neatly contained in a drawstring bag. Each of the above go on to represent Cavan at the finals in Croke Park on April 27. Vincent Reynolds, the CEO of Cavan County Enterprise Board (CCEB), was delighted to see so many innovative ideas. The board aims to foster and develop enterprise awareness among secondary school students and to use the experience of setting up and running enterprises as the primary means of learning about self-employment as a career option. He was impressed with the confidence, enthusiasm and business acumen the students displayed. Mr. Reynolds thought that participation in the Student Enterprise Awards Programme was a unique learning opportunity for students as they gained experience outside the conventional classroom environment. He thanked the parents for their support and the teachers for their expertise and guidance throughout the competitive process. Kevin Kelly, a motivational speaker and author, delivered an interactive presentation entitled Unleash the Entrepreneur Within!. Over two decades, Kevin has spoken at events around the world and the students and teachers were suitably challenged and inspired. Other winners included St. Mogue's College, which claimed the special award for Display in the Senior category with Everlasting Productions, a booklet recording folklore, recipes and cures of old, preserving them for future generations. Loreto College took a total of eight awards across the three categories; the special award for Display and Innovation in the Junior category with Eco Friendly Fire Starter; Treasure Chest and Love Our Lockers in third and second place in the Junior category; second and the award for Innovation in Intermediate for Button Up; and the top two positions in Senior with Stepping Stones and Explore Go Leor. St. Bricin's College, Belturbet, had carbon footprints in mind with BGreen, which recycles materials such as wood or plastic by making flowerboxes, wellie holders and birdhouses. It won the special award for Innovation and took third in Intermediate. Students from St. Aidan's Comprehensive in Cootehill hit the airwaves with TY Radio, and were third in the Senior category. St. Patrick's College won the special award for Innovation in the Senior category with IDentapats, a student discount card offering 10% off in participating shops.