PHOTOS: Presentation Secondary School Castleisland Holds 10th Annual Awards Night

PRESENTATION Secondary School, Castleisland, marked a significant milestone on Tuesday, April 14 with the hosting of its 10th Annual Awards Night, celebrating a decade of recognising student excellence, achievement and contribution to school life.

The event brought together students, staff, parents and invited guests for an evening of celebration and acknowledgement. Proceedings opened with a musical performance of “Dreams” by The Cranberries, performed by the school choir under the direction of Ms. Whiston, setting an appropriate tone for the occasion.

Principal Mr. Pierce Dargan welcomed those in attendance and spoke of the importance of recognising not only academic success, but also the values of commitment, resilience and personal development demonstrated by students throughout the year.

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The theme of this year’s awards, “The Journey from Dreams to Reality,” reflected the ambition and dedication evident across the student body.

A keynote address was delivered by past pupil and current Kerry Rose, Laura Daly, who spoke warmly of her time as a student in the school.

A wide range of awards were presented across academic, sporting and cultural areas. Among the principal award recipients were Aine Walsh (CEIST Award), Brid Curtin (Sister Clement Award) and Fiona McSweeney (Seamus Falvey Award).

The Seamus Falvey Award was presented by Gobnait and Marie Falvey, adding a special significance to the occasion.

Academic excellence was further recognised through the presentation of the Junior Cycle Silver Medal to Leah Griffin and the Leaving Certificate Gold Medal to Emily Walsh. Edel O’Donoghue received the award for Best Attendance.

In sport, Amelie Kerin was named Senior Sports Award recipient, while Eibhlin McCarthy received the Junior Sports Award.

The sporting awards also highlighted the importance of continued participation in sport throughout the teenage years, recognising not only achievement but commitment, teamwork and perseverance.

Katie Crowley, Lauren Coffey and Erin O’Connor were honoured with Basketball Awards while Maryanne O’Shea and Laura McShane were the recipients of the Football Awards.

Awards recognising achievement in specific subject areas included Tessa Reidy and Oliwia Gruszka (STEM), Saoirse Collins (French), and Máiréad Ní hIarlaíthe and Nancy Ní Chonchúir (Gradam na Gaeilge). In the arts, awards were presented to Sarah Lenihan and Aine Walsh (Music), and Orla O’Connor and Wiktoria Brzozka (Art).

Student of the Year awards were presented to Elainah Hickey (1st Year), Aine O’Sullivan (2nd Year), Katie Crowley (3rd Year), Jessie O’Keeffe (Transition Year), Faith Bradley (5th Year) and Nancy O’Connor (6th Year), while Morena Bottone was named International Student of the Year.

The Webwise Awards were presented to Saoirse Collins and Gracie Mills.

The school was honoured by the presence of a number of distinguished guests, including Laura Daly (Past Pupil and current Kerry Rose), Daniel Jokubaitis of Tralee Warriors Basketball, Darragh O’Regan of FAI Kerry Girls Soccer, Julia Curtin, past pupil and member of the Kerry Senior Ladies Football team, and Fiona Brosnan of Sliabh Luachra Camogie Club.

The Presentation Sisters were also in attendance, marking their 10th year supporting the Awards Night, a presence greatly valued by the school community.

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Members of the Falvey family, the Board of Management and the Parents Forum were also in attendance.

The event was organised by Ms. Dayna Hurley, Leader of School Events, and was compered by Mr. Batt Donnell, who guided proceedings throughout the evening.

The ceremony concluded with a closing performance of “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay, delivered by the school choir, bringing to an end a successful and memorable occasion.

The Awards Night continues to play an important role in recognising the achievements and contributions of students and in reflecting the values and ethos of Presentation Secondary School, Castleisland. Scroll down for photos…