Carlow CBS students recognised at school awards

SAINT Mary’s Academy CBS Carlow held its annual Edmund Rice Awards ceremony recently, marking a proud and celebratory occasion for students and staff alike.

The event was opened by past pupil Jan Flejszar, who delivered an inspirational speech, encouraging students to strive for excellence and make the most of their opportunities.

The ceremony continued with the announcement of the highly anticipated Student of the Year awards. The recipients were Cayden Horan (first year), Jack McGuirk (second year), Irshad Bin Hanafi (third year), Daniel Kehoe (fourth year), James Wu (fifth year) and Leon Fitzgerald (sixth year – Sean Ó Ceallaigh Cup), each recognised for their outstanding contribution to school life.

Among the most prestigious awards of the afternoon was the Edmund Rice Award, which was presented to Caleb Noctor (sixth year) in recognition of his embodiment of the school’s core values.

The Anne Brennan Award, a special honour where a sixth-year student is chosen by his peers, was awarded to Kyle McDonald. The Pat Meaney Award, chosen by third-year students, was presented to Ishaan Mohan.

A wide range of subject awards were also presented. Igors Saltums received the Denis O’Grady Business Award, Fahim Ahmed was awarded the Oliver Feighan Science Award and Kevin Iwanik received the James Quinn Maths Award.

The Louise Williamson Creative Writing Awards were also presented. The International Student of the Year Award went to Javier Alonso (junior) and Carlos Dominguez (senior).

Sporting and extra-curricular achievements were also celebrated. Ayman Brianna Nichistroi received the Athletics Award, while Dylan Cullen was presented with the Colm Cunningham Golf Award. Winners of the chess competition included Fahim Ahmed, Rafael Renji, Richard Jimoh and Kevin Iwanik.

In hurling, awards were presented to Filip Dobronski (first year) and Cillian Staunton (second year). Gaelic football awards went to Jack Scully (first year) and Luke McLoughlin (second year), while Sean O’Brien was awarded the Diarmuid Broderick Cup as Junior (U16) Footballer of the Year.

The Senior Footballer of the Year Award, the Seán Brennan Cup, was presented to Eoghan Kavanagh. Soccer awards were presented to Cailean Brennan (first year) and Rian Carroll (second year). In basketball, Ben O’Byrne (U14), Jake Shaw (U16) and Mikey Hand (senior) were recognised.

The overall Sportsperson of the Year Award was presented to Thomas Lawlor (fourth year).

In the arts, Stanislaw Flejszar received the Music Award, while the Art Award was presented to Darragh Thompson. The T4 awards were presented to TJ Keating (junior) and Jack Moran (senior). In social sciences, Alex Murphy (junior) and Conor Whelan (senior) were recognised. Conor Dunne received the Irish Award, while Fahim Ahmed also received the MFL Award.

Additional awards were presented for attendance, Meitheal, student council, peace and justice and the green schools committee, recognising the wide-ranging contributions of students across school life.

The ceremony highlighted the talent, dedication and spirit that continues to thrive at the school.

*More photos in this week's paper