Carrignafoy Community College – Awards Evening May 2011

Carrignafoy Community College celebrated their annual awards night on the 12th May, with guest of honour and former pupil, Terri Chandler.  Terri completed her Leaving Certificate in 2002, and followed with a BA Honours degree in the University of Birmingham.  It was truly a celebration of achievement as Terri spoke of the features of her own school experience here at Carrignafoy Community College.  She spoke of the traits that were very much to the fore during her time in Carrignafoy, pride in school and work,  allied with a strong emphasis on inspiring excellence in all facets of life. Terri reminded the  students present on the night that mutual respect and integrity are core elements to be encouraged, if one is to venture into the world with confidence and a true sense of place.   She spoke of the economic downturn in a very compassionate manner but encouraged all present to look to the future with hope and conviction.  She applauded all the nominees and award winners and emphasised the need to have a personal dream or ambition as the bedrock in life.  Terri concluded  with the quote “Dreamers who succeed are praised for their perseverance, dreamers who fail are condemned for their delusions”.

The Deputy Mayor Jim Quinlan was present to encourag parents and students to look to the future with the assurance of a good education and positive outlook.  In addition to the academic focus on subject and class awards, a number of students were recognised for their excellence in sporting and community life.  Ryan Parsons opened the proceedings with a classical piece on the violin and Aisling McCarthy sang with great feeling and presence.  The community award went to Eamonn Crotty Chairman of the 10 Mile Annual Road Race Committee, and a special engineering award, presented by Mary Hennessy to Audrius Kaminskas was made in memory of the late Jim Hennessy RIP.  A standing ovation took place when David McSweeney received the NEWB cup in recognition of fourteen years unbroken school attendance.  Kelly Sexton received the Principals award while Rebecca McKiernan received the Leaving Certificate Applied Award.  The student of the year was named as Michelle Greaney, who accepted the award from Terri Chandler.  Michelle is the daughter of Valerie (past pupil) and Michael Greaney, proud parents on the night.  Celebrations concluded with a performance by the Carrigtwohill Gospel Choir, two staff members are part of the choir.