STUDENTS from St Ita’s and St Joseph’s school made the big step towards adulthood today as they celebrated their graduation from the school, where they no doubt have experienced many great memories over the years.
The school hall was full of family, friends and staff members as they looked on at the 12 young men and women who were there to celebrate (one student was absent on the day).
Fr Patsy Lynch delivered the ceremony which featured a special few words, not just for the class of 2015, but also for the deputy principal Anne O’Keeffe who is celebrating 30 years as a teacher in the school this year.
Kieran Donaghy came down to the ceremony – as he does every year – and it was clear from the smiling and laughing with the students, parents and staff, that he immensely enjoys the day.
There was a huge round of applause as each person stood up to receive their certificates from the Kerry star and Principal Grace Sheehan, with two special awards going to two students, James Dean Martin and Chloe Flaherty.
“The mass, from Fr Patsy, who’s on our board of management, was fantastic. The students have achieved far more than their academic achievements – some of them have finished their Leaving Certificates today and some have finished the Junior Certificate and their FETAC Level 2s,” said Ms Sheehan.
“They are far more confident going out into the world. Two of our students have actually already set up their own painting and decorating business,” she continued.
“There were two special awards, which basically are national awards for sports achievements, with two given to each school each year. We give them out at the end of the graduation ceremony to children to who have been exemplary in athletics,” she said.
Parents and students gravitated toward the refreshments at the end of the ceremony, full of pride at what had been achieved and looking forward to the days ahead.
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