IN Pictures: Laois school celebrates excellence

Portlaoise College hosted its annual Evening of Excellence to recognise outstanding achievements across a variety of categories. 

The event was graced by guest speakers Dr. Sumi Dunne, a respected medical professional, and alumni Mark Geoghan and Jorja Phipps, who have found success in the aviation industry and primary education, respectively. To view more images click NEXT. Read more below picture... 

Dr. Dunne, a distinguished general practitioner, best known for her time on Operation Transformation, has extensive experience in both clinical practice and medical education and delivered an inspiring address. Known for her dedication to patient care and her involvement in various health initiatives, Dr. Dunne emphasised the importance of self-worth beyond academic exams.

“You are more than the two weeks in June,” she advised, encouraging students to see their value in a broader context. She also remarked on the empathetic and inclusive nature of the school. Her sentiments resonated with many, highlighting the holistic approach to education that Portlaoise College champions.

 Mark Geoghan and Jorja Phipps shared their journeys since leaving the school, reflecting on their teachers' lasting impact on their lives. Mark, now thriving in the aviation industry, and Jorja, a primary school teacher, both credited their successes to the foundational support and guidance they received during their time at Portlaoise College.

The evening’s awards were divided into five main categories: Subject Awards, Extra-Curricular, Scholarships and Bursaries, Special Recognition Awards and Overall Awards. 

Each category celebrated the diverse talents and hard work of the students. There have been massive successes in the school this year and while unfair to single out just a few, 'Junior 'A' Girls All-Ireland Volleyball Champions, George Pham's All-Ireland Poetry Aloud Win and Bridge Ability who won two major national awards stand out. Subject Awards were presented to students who excelled in specific academic disciplines, acknowledging their dedication, while the Extra-Curricular Awards highlighted those who had shown exceptional commitment and talent outside the classroom, whether in sports, arts, or other activities.

The Scholarships and Bursaries section honoured several high-achieving students. The school welcomed Sophie Urban and Caolan Gilliand, recipients of the incoming first-year scholarships. Other notable scholarship winners included Zayed Abdelrazak, who received the Naughton Scholarship; Stanislav Walkowiak, a JP McManus All-Ireland Scholarship recipient; and Noor Fatima and Natalia Orlik, both awarded UCD Entrance Scholarships. One of the most significant awards of the night was the presentation by Glenda Lynch and Gareth Stanley on behalf of the Parent's Council of two third-level bursaries to Aiden Donaghy and Caoimhe Kinfack-Tetsowo. 

The Overall Awards celebrated the Students of the Year across different year groups were:

1st Year: Hannah Scully

2nd Year: Aoibhinn Grundy

3rd Year: Nikola Ilic

Transition Year: Abbie Maher

5th Year: Scott Duffy

LCA 1: Claudia Henderson

6th Year: Pavan Sachin Polassery

LCA 2: Markuss Oga

Additional accolades included the Overall Contribution to Extra-Curricular Activities for 2023/24 awarded to Fionn McEvoy Mulally, the Leadership Award to Sorina Stratu, the School Spirit Award (Ethos) to Alex Percy, and the Exceptional Student Award to Mariya Petrushkova. These honours recognised their extraordinary dedication, leadership, and embodiment of the school's values. The Evening of Excellence was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students, teachers, and staff. It celebrated not just academic success but the overall growth and achievements of the students.