2 June 2016
Our annual Prize night recently took place in the college. It was a joyous occasion as we celebrated the achievements of our students over the past year.
Ably conducted by Master of Ceremonies, Brendan Cryan, the ceremony showcased the academic, sporting and extra-curricular talent of our students. Chairs where at a premium as the hall was packed full of proud parents.
The vast amount of awards presented highlighted the diligence and hard work that the students put in throughout the year. All classes were represented with many Academic Performance Awards and one Outstanding Student chosen from each class. This student epitomised the great effort, progression and ambition that we inspire all our students to achieve.
Included in every class was the Spirit of De La Salle Award. This award is given to students who espouse the La Sallian ethos within the school and the wider community. It also highlights their dedication to their schoolwork, their environment and their ability to make De La Salle College, Churchtown a better and more fulfilled school.
We recognised all our sporting achievements and again the many awards highlighted the importance of sport in the college. We have many wonderful athletes and their dedication to their teams was celebrated with these awards.
Throughout the proceedings we had musical entertainment. Mr. Boyd and Stefan Donoghue played a lovely rendition of Falling Slowly, a song taken from former student John Carney's musical Once. The band Apian played two sets and rocked the hall. Consisting of our very talented students, Sib Buthelezi, Daniel McDermott and Stefan Donoghue, Apian are definitely a band to keep an eye on in the future.
However the highlight of the night was the major awards presented to our graduating 6th Years. These awards were befitting to three students who have not only worked hard this year, but have added so much to school life in their six years in De La Salle College, Churchtown.
Cathal Swan received the John Corbet Award for the Oustanding Achievement in the Arts. He also was presented with a bound copy of the School Council constitution which he worked so passionately to realise.
Cillian McGinnity was presented with the Spirit of De La Salle Award. This was just reward for a student who has dedicated himself to his studies, to the school band and College badminton. His friendly and kind nature at all times ensured that Cillian was a worthy recipient.
Finally Student of the Year was Morgan Merriman. Morgan is a wonderful student and inspirational leader and captain of the Senior Cup team. The teachers of the College were proud to recognise him as the student of the year.
Overall, it was a wonderful night. Ms O'Connell and Ms. Foster spoke proudly and eloquently of the students and of the school. They recognised the hard work and dedication of all our students, not just those who had received a prize.
Huge thanks and appreciation must go to Mr. Kirwan for organising such a special occasion.