A special ceremony took place at Loreto Secondary School in Kilkenny prior to the new year to mark the outstanding academic achievements of students.
Among them were eight alumni who achieved perfect grades 625 points in their Leaving Certificate. There was a special Loreto Alumna Award for Anne Marie Butler.
Dr Butler is a leader in an industry that is traditionally male dominated, and has made a great contribution to the progress of agriculture and agricultural science in her career to date. After her time in Loreto, she studied in UCD where she was awarded a PHD in Agriculture.
For a time she lectured in UCD before joining Ulster Bank, where she was senior agricultural manager. In 2021 she was appointed head of the Teagasc Education Programme and she has also served as the President of the Agricultural Science Association.
Dr Butler spoke warmly of her time and precious memories in Loreto. She also spoke about having belief and conviction in oneself and to not fear change.
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