Ard Scoil na nDéise Awards Ceremony 2024
On Wednesday 1st May, the Ard Scoil Awards Ceremony took place in the Friary Church. The event was attended by the whole staff and student body, as well as invited guests, members of the Board of Management, Parents’ Council, and family and friends. The ceremony celebrated the achievements from the academic years of 2022/2023 and 2023/2024.
Ms. Jenny Williams (Principal) opened the ceremony with a prayer. This was followed by the presentation of the “Class Awards” which were read out by Crea Frisby (Chairperson of the Student Council). The “Class Award” goes to students who have been nominated by their class-mates, being recognised as hard-working and kind students who have gone out of their way to lend a helping hand. They are friendly, helpful and caring students who help create a positive atmosphere in the classroom.
Class Awards
The “Class Awards” for 2022/2023 went to Laoise Cartwright (1A), Sophie Morrissey (1B), Meadhbh Byrne (2A), Katie Kiely (2B), Abbie Fitzpatrick (3A), Maeve Bradfield (TYA), Ava Tutty (TYB), Meabh Barron (5A), Ciara Lenane (5B), Eve Dwyer (6A) and Aoibh Murphy (6B)
The “Class Awards” for 2023/2024 went to Goda Mikalauskaite (1A), Christina Sellars (1B), Sinead Roche (2A), Layla Rose Harty (2B), Ina Foley (3A), Sophie Walsh (3B), Murieann Hickey (TYA), Alison Organ (5A), Laura Quinn (5B), Andrea Barrett (6A), and Katie Whelan (6B).
Music Awards
The next category was the “Music Awards”, which were read by Ms. Ciara Lucey (Music Teacher) and Ms. Jenny Williams. For their contribution to Traditional Irish Music, Ina Foley, Laila Ryan, Holly Ryan Power, Darcey Toft, Vika Murphy, Orlaith Dalton, Robyn Kennedy all received certificates. Similarly, for the Participation at school events, Naoise Power Whelan, Lisa Mongali, Róisín Hunt, Aoife Fitzgerald, Emily Brennan, Goda Mikalauskaite, Éabha Lucey, Nicole Norton, Thea Barry, Anna Aherne, Kiara Lenane, Siobhan Lennon, Emma Phelan, Eva Leech, Roisin Quinn, Elisa Redmond, Darcey Toft, Vika Murphy also received certificates.
In a new category, Caitlin Foley and Meave Bradfield accepted a certificate and framed photo collage on behalf of the cast and crew of “Sister Act”, for their incredible commitment to the school musical this past March.
The “Overall Music Award” for 2022/2023 was awarded to Eve Dwyer, and for 2023/2024 was awarded to Kiki Lenane.
Art Awards
The “Art Awards” were read by Ms. Sinéad Hehir and presented by Ms. Joanne Brosnan (Deputy Principal). For the year 2022/2023 Lauren Gough was presented with a certificate for coming 1st in the 18 & over category in the local Credit Union art competition and she went on to also win 1st prize at chapter level. Connie O’ Grady received a certificate for placing 1st in the Special Category age 14-17 in the local Credit Union art competition and she went on to also win 1st prize at chapter level.
Olivia McGrath Kudzmaite was recognised for her Junk Kouture dress which was made
entirely by crocheting scraps of left over wool wowed Junk Kouture Judges as not only did Olivia reach the regional final, but she also went on to reach the National Final. The national final was held in the 3 Arena in Dublin where Olivia herself took to the catwalk to perform whilst modelling her design. This was a fantastic achievement in a competition which started out with over 2,500 entries.
For the year 2023/2024 Aliya McCarey received a certificate for her success in the Credit Union Art competition, and TY students Gabby Doran, Rebecca Navin and Abby Hyslop
Received recognition for their Junk Kouture design which was titled ‘Deli-icious Diva’. This dress was created using various food packaging that you would usually see behind a deli counter. These items which were being discontinued by a catering company were destined for the bin before the girls intercepted them and decided to reuse and up-cycle to make this eye-catching dress fit for the red carpet! Their design was selected for the regional finals of Junk Kouture, a great achievement with only 16 from the entire Munster region being selected.
The “Overall Art Award” for 2022/2023 was presented to Millie Lucey (accepted by Kacey Lucey), and for the year 2023/2024 was Rebecca Murtagh.
English Award
The “English Award” for 2022/2023 was read by Ms. Grace Phelan and presented to Kate McKeon by Mr. John O’ Shea. Kate received a certificate her success as the Munster regional winner of the inaugural Oireachtas essay competition last March. The theme was 'Why Parliamentary Politics Matters'. Kate showcased her meticulous research and strong essay writing skills in her insightful essay on this challenging topic. She showed a great understanding and appreciation of the significance of parliamentary democracy in shaping our society.
STEM Awards
The “STEM Awards” were read by Ms. Fiona Troy and presented by Ms. Sara Flavin. Ina Foley and Agustina Nowotny received certificates for achieving 2nd place in their category in Ireland in the Maths Week Olympiad.
In October 2022 a number of Junior students were selected to complete the Maths Week Olympiad. It can be completed as an individual or in a pair. The Olympiad had over 15,000 learners taking part in categories from Senior Infants to 3rd year in Ireland. The paper consisted of 25 questions and students were not allowed to use a calculator.
Augustina was also acknowledged for her achievement of the title of International Maths Olympiad Challenge Elitist for her outstanding performance in the online challenge held in May 2023. Our school received a special invitation to participate in the challenge. Students had to register online and complete the challenge online. The challenge has been completed by over 3 million students in Secondary Schools globally since its inception 25 years ago.
The Margaret Radley Award in Geography
The “Geography Award” was read by Ms. Ciara O’ Shea and presented by invited guest Denise Radley. Orlaith Dalton was presented with the award for the year 2022/2023. Meabh Barron was acknowledged as the 2023/2024 winner.
Students who receive this award are described as an excellent, hard-working students who obtained consistently high marks during her studies at Higher Level LC Geography. They show a particular aptitude for this subject exhibiting dedication and a focused approach to learning.
Home Economics Award – Skillsfest
5th Year students Ava Tutty and Nicole Norton were acknowledged by Ms. Eilis Kiley and Ms. Anne Gleeson for their incredible success at SkillsFest 2024. The girls participated in a highly competitive skills competition in Youghal, and were named the winners of the Home Economics category for their homemade lasagne made using local produce.
Enterprise Award
This year’s “Enterprise Award” was presented to Emily Foran, Muireann Hickey and Aoife O’ Neill. These students designed, manufactured, marketed and sold hand-made wooden hurley and equipment stands - the ideal solution for every sporty household. The girls worked together on the many tasks required to bring their ideas to life and onto the market and were the worthy winners of the 2023 Ard Scoil na nDéise TY Enterprise Award.
Gaisce Award
Ms. Julianne Foley and Ms. Siobhán Twomey presented the “Gaisce Award”. The President’s Award is a self-development programme for young people and a direct challenge from the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, to all young people to dream big and realise their potential. These students achieved this award by completing a Personal Skill, a Physical Skill, Community Involvement, and an Adventure Journey. Certificates were presented to Téa Barry, Maeve Bradfield, Emily Brennan, Jessica Collender, Ellie Corbett, Caitlin Foley, Sadhbh Keating, Ava Murray, Alison Organ, Sarah Power, and Kelly Reardon.
ICDL Awards
ICDL Certificates were presented to Scarlett Harty and Téa Barry.
Green Schools – Secondary Schools Litter Competiton
Meadhbh Byrne and Ciara Ní Rinn accepted this award on behalf of the Green Schools committee for their participation and excellent work in the Secondary Schools Litter Competition. The competition was run by Waterford City and County Council. The Green Schools committee was assigned an area, from the Lookout to Friary Street, to complete regular litter picks.
Cairde Girls
Roisín Coffey, Kerry Dee, Kate Dwane, Orlaith Dwyer, Eva Fallon, Crea Frisby, Katelyn Gardner, Katie Lavin, Rebecca Murtagh, Darcey Toft all received certificates in recognition of their time as Cairde girls for 2022/2023
Têa Barry, Maeve Bradfield, Emily Brennan, Aoife-Bríd Fitzgerald,
Caitlin Foley, Hollie Hughes, Sadhbh Keating, Nicole Norton, Sarah Power, Roisín Quann all received certificates in recognition of their time as Cairde girls for 2023/2024.
Sports Awards
The following students received certificates for their endeavours in Athletics: Katie Fennell, Abbie Fitzpatrick, Eve Dwyer, Aoibh Murphy, Millie Lucey, Crea Frisby, Orlaith Dwyer, Caoimhe Prendergast, Siobhan Lennon, Ava Flavin, Ailbhe Morley, Laoise Cummins, Catherine O Donnell, and Shauna Deevy.
Isabel Martin, Holly Lonergan, Lisa Mongali and Annie Hubbart were presented with certificates for their sporting achievements on the Badminton courts.
Former Captain Ever Dwyer accepted an official team photo on behalf of the football team who were the Munster Senior C Football Runners-Up in the academic year 2022/2023. While Captain Rachel Fitzgerald accepted an award on behalf of the 2023/2024 team who had a great win vs. Comeragh College in the East Munster final in Rathgormack.
The “Overall Sports Star Award for 2022/2023” was presented to Katelyn Gardner. Ms. Fiona Rochford had the following words to say about Katelyn: “Katelyn has been a mainstay of all Ard Scoil football and camogie teams from the time she arrived in school in 1st year. In the position of goal-keeper she has, very often, made crucial saves that have won us games. She has represented Waterford in both camogie and football but has always respected her school-teammates in attending school training and matches enthusiastically. In fact, her leadership and role-model qualities have also been recognised by the Waterford minor camogie team, where she is joint-captain this year. Katelyn has also represented the school at Schools Athletics events getting to a Munster Final in Shot-Putt. Katelyn is modest and hard-working and is certainly a great role model for younger students in how she manages her many sporting commitments”.
Ms. Rochford went on to announce the “Overall Sports Star Award for 2023/2024” as Caoimhe Prendergast noting that “Caoimhe has proven herself to be a talented athlete during her 6 years here in the Ard Scoil. She has consistently represented the school at a very high level across camogie, football and athletics. Her main attributes on the GAA field of fitness and determination also lend themselves very well to the athletics track where she has excelled, in particular, in the Cross-Country events. Caoimhe led her team to the All Ireland Cross Country championships in 2022, 2020 and 2019 in which she was leading scorer each year. Not forgetting her numerous Munster medals at the 800m Track and Field.”.
The Perpetual Trophy was awarded to both Katelyn and Caoimhe, by Ms. Fiona Troy.
Junior Cycle Award
The Junior Cycle Award is presented to students who have excelled in their Junior Cycle exams and CBAs. The recipients for 2023 were Abbie Hyslop and Ailbhe Morley.
Leaving Certificate Award
The Leaving Certificate Award acknowledges students who have excelled in their Leaving Certificate, and in this case the following students were awarded over 500 points in their Leaving Certificate exams. Eve Dwyer, Maria Rusu, Eva Leech, Emma O'Neill, Abi Power, Emma Fitzpatrick, Róisín Quinn, Orlaith Dalton, Roisin Kiely, Millie Lucey, Caoimhe Hally, Aoibhe Bluett, Aoibh Murphy, Siobhan Lennon, and Emma Phelan were the worthy recipients of the 2023 Leaving Certificate Awards.
Spirit of Transition Year
This award is given to someone from TY who has shown commitment to Transition Year and who has remained true to the commitment they made at the beginning of TY. They demonstrated great team spirit, actively participated in a great range of activities and were always positive and enthusiastic, epitomising the meaning of Transition Year. Emily Brennan (2022/2023) and Abbie Hyslop (2023/2024) were the recipients of the “Spirit of TY Awards”.
Spirit of CEIST Award
Vika Murphy and Katie Lavin were awarded the “Spirit of CEIST” Award. This award is given to a sixth-year student who can be identified as being true to our Mission Statement of ‘Reaching your potential with respect, care and friendship’ as well as showing commitment to the CEIST values which are as follows:
- Promoting spiritual and human development
- Achieving quality in teaching and learning
- Showing respect for every person
- Creating community
- Being just and responsible
Thank You
We would like to thank everyone who made our 2024 Awards Ceremony so special this year. We look forward to the next academic year ahead, and wish all of our students every success as they move forward on their educational journeys.