THE COLÁISTE Bhride Carnew Leaving Cert Class Of 2011 were reunited for an evening, as they gathered at the Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey, last weekend for a special ceremony.

They were honoured by staff and parents of their school for their achievements in their Leaving Certificate examinations. The annual event hosted by the school's Parents' Association and has always been a much anticipated occasion by students as it is the last formal school event they attend as a collective group.

In his opening address, Parents' Association Chairperson Trevor Matthews extended a warm welcome to all students, their families and staff. On behalf of the parent body he congratulated them on their varied and numerous achievements during their time at Coláiste Bhride.

He thanked them and their families for their many positive contributions to the success and reputation of Coláiste Bhride, and in particular for their support of the work of the Parents' Association.

Co. Wicklow VEC was represented by Chairman Michael Lawlor who commended students on their wonderful results. He recognised that achievement in today's climate may be more difficult as more sacrifices need to be made. However, he said, success in such context is all the more enjoyable when it comes.

He commended the staff of the school for their commitment to education in a holistic sense and encouraged students to always appreciate their family support. He wished all success and happiness in the future.

Principal Linda Dunne reflected on the past achievements of the group who excelled on the sports field, drama stage, musical platform, and examination hall, as well as the many individual projects and initiatives they took part in over the years.

She noted how, like other past years, the class of 2011 continued to be recognised at third level through their Entrance Scholarship Awards at university. She remarked how it continues to be an honour for her to attend these ceremonies annually, and encouraged students to keep a positive attitude, so that finding solutions, rather than looking for difficulties, will be a motivator in their future lives.

Special guest on the evening was Ann-marie Blake who addressed the guests. Ann-marie is a past pupil of the school, and is now working as a solicitor.

Overall Student of the Year for 2011 was Theresa Clare. She was presented with the Gregan Trophy by Orla Gregan. Speaking on behalf of the students Teresa thanked the entire staff for all their help and support throughout her time at the school.

Awards were made to students as follows: Geography, John Burke; Business, Laura Byrne; Technical Drawing, Zoe Rothwell; Technology, Zoe Rothwell; Construction, John Gahan and Zoe Rothwell; Agricultural Science, John Gahan and James Cosgrove; Maths, Ewan Dalby and James Cosgrove; Chemistry, Ewan Dalby and Áine Mahon; Physics, Ewan Dalby and Theresa Clare; English, Theresa Clare; Irish, Theresa Clare and Christopher Quaid; Foreign Language, Ciara O'toole and Christopher Quaid; Science, Ciara O'toole and Theresa Clare; History, Ciara O'toole; Economics, Brendan Mccrea; Endeavour, Caoimhe Goland; Art, Róisín Lawrence; Accounting, Claire Turner; Home Economics, Emily Rose Byrne; Merit, Séamas Hurley; Engineering, John Gahan, Martin O'brien and Zoe Rothwell; Sports, Sarah Hogan and Conor Levingstone; Music, David Conway; Culture, Ben Cooper; Good Fellowship, Orla Hughes; LCA Vocational Education, William Lillis; LCA General Education, Jennifer Doran and James Jordan; LCA Endeavour Award, Rachel Jeffers; LCA Contribution, Ciara Byrne; LCA Student of the Year, Lisa Lambert; Student of the Year, Theresa Clare.

- FINTAN LAMBE