Former Coláiste Bhríde student Isabella gets place in prestigious Ad Astra Academy at UCD

FORMER Coláiste Bhríde student Isabella Ní Chonaill has been formally welcomed into University College Dublin’s Ad Astra Academy.

Among just 33 academic scholars to achieve this earlier this year, the accolade means Isabella will have access to unique supports and opportunities to further develop her talents.

The Ad Astra Academy welcomes only exceptional academic, elite sports and performing arts students and Isabella’s award ensures her a place of residence on the UCD campus in the “Teach na Gaeilge” where all students speak Irish.

Colaíste Bhríde Principal Linda Dunne said: “Great things await this young talented lady who is modest about her achievements.

“Congratulations to Isabella, to her parents, Padraig and Irene, and to all who have taught and supported her along the way.

“Isabella has always been gracious and grounded and this is an admirable quality in such a talented young lady. I have no doubt that Isabella will live the Ad Astra motto of ‘apsire, achieve, excel’ going forward, and that she will enjoy the journey along the way.”

Gaining a place in the Ad Astra Academy came only weeks after Isabella, who achieved seven H1 grades, was presented with the Gregan Crystal Student of the Year award at her former school’s Leaving Certificate Presentation evening, held in the Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey in January.

The engineering student was also one of 37 young adults, from right across Ireland, to receive the much coveted, Naughton Scholarship in October.

This award is presented to exceptional students, who have demonstrated their abilities in the STEM subjects and have gone on in university to further their expertise.