New Ross students end year on a high at Kennedy College awards ceremony

Kennedy College formally acknowledged the academic and extra-curricular success of its students recently after a challenging few years during which they showed great resilience.

Students, teachers and parents gathered at the college for the first in person ceremony since 2019. One of the most notable events of the school’s calendar, the event provides the management and staff with the opportunity to acknowledge the success of the students both inside and outside the classroom.

The Principal, Michael Weafer, welcomed invited guests, ETB Director of Schools Emer Ryan,, Parents Association Chairperson Julie Anne Murphy, parents/guardians, staff and students.

Mr Weafer praised the students for their positive engagement hard work and dedication throughout the year and the staff for their commitment to the school. He extended his gratitude to the Parents Council for their contribution to the ongoing running of the school.

The Board of Management and the Waterford Wexford Education Training Board were also praised for their support of the college. 3rd and 6th year students were wished the best of luck in their forthcoming exams.

However, the focus of the ceremony being the students, many awards were given for both curricular and extra-curricular achievements.

Among the most prestigious presentations was the Student of the Year awards.

The recipients were:

Brian Doyle 1st Year, Cezary Kulesza, 2nd Year, Emma Salisbury, 3rd Year, Laquietta Griffin, Transition Year, Cameron Murphy 5th LCA, Owen Lennon, 5th Year, Louise Mc Mahon, 6th LCA and Jessica Moore 6th Year.

Past pupil Luke Blignaut returned to receive his award for Best Leaving Cert Result 2021.

Merit Awards were awarded to students throughout the school year for excellent work, behaviour and engagement in activities. They carry forward from one year to the next.

Awards for 200 or more merits were presented to Jessica Moore and Jake Canning.

150 or more merits were also presented to Brandon Kelly, Liam O Neill, and Cameron Murphy.

100 plus merit awards were presented to Aaron Canning, Kyle Waters, Aaron Savage, Jonas Unkas and Loiuse McMahon.

Certs were awarded 50 plus Merits but too many to mention by name. 

Excellence in School Behaviour during their six years in Kennedy College awards were presented to Jessica Moore and Aaron Canning. 

Excellence in Attendance awards for full attendance during his six years in Kennedy College was presented to Aaron Savage by Ms Ryan, ETB Director of Schools. 

The Principals Ethos Award was presented to Jake Canning for good example displayed over his six years in Kennedy College embracing the school’s core values of excellence in education, care, respect, equality, community and respect. 

There were many other certificates and awards given for good effort and participation in programs and activities.

Mr Weafer concluded the awards ceremony by thanking everyone who attended. He congratulated all students on their achievements throughout the year and wished all students well in their exams.