Awards Ceremony 2019
The principal Suzanne McMahon opened the annual ceremony with a speech where she welcomed the honoured guest Ms Evelyn Cusack, members of the BOM and Parent’s Association, staff, students and parents. She emphasised the opportunity the evening gave to celebrate the end of an extremely successful year made possible by the dedication of the staff and students of Clonaslee College. Students have not only achieved in the school but in external competitions nationwide including Gaisce, Scifest, Laois/Offaly Enterprise Awards, ETB Awards Ceremony, along with their achievements in a wide range of sporting competitions.
She reminded the audience of the new Junior Cycle Programme where the focus is no longer only on educational achievements but on the personal development of the student. Students finally are being recognised for their skills and talents in other areas of learning.
The principal also congratulated each one of the 6th year students for their successful completion of the Leaving Certificate Programme. In particular acknowledging their parents/guardians for their guidance, motivation, support and financial aid! She wished them well in their State exams and with the next exciting stage of their lives. Students have been equipped with the skills they will need as they manoeuvre through the ups and downs of life and pursue hopefully the right career path and achieve success. Ms Mc Mahon requested that they ‘never stop trying to reach their dreams or goals however ridiculous it may seem to others’.
Before the 6th year head girl Roisin O’ Donovan was invited on stage to reflect on the year past the principal outlined Evelyn’s link with Clonaslee. Evelyn's mother was Anne Leahy from Kinnity and her father was John Cusack from Rathhugh, County Westmeath. They had seven children and her mother taught in the National School in Clonaslee. She is well remembered for her great kindness and abilities teaching younger children including Junior and Senior Infants classes. Her father was manager of the Midlands' Branch of the Butter and Bacon Shop beside the old Vocational School. Evelyn herself went to the local girls' primary school in Clonaslee and to the Secondary School in Moate. Despite Evelyn’s request that no focus was placed on her own achievements the principal emphasised it was hard not to be in awe of her accomplishments. The principal herself also studied Physics which remains predominantly a male dominated subject and informed the audience of the challenges it can pose at times for women. Evelyn has demonstrated huge determination, hard work and perseverance to have become head of forecasting at Met Éireann and previously the well-known familiar face of RTE weather forecasting.
Reflective of the ongoing issues with climate change Evelyn has become increasingly more prominent in recent years and particularly with regard to her involvement in making difficult decisions regarding weather alerts. Ms Mc Mahon spoke on behalf of all present of the respect and gratitude for the decisions the NECG (national emergency and co-ordination group) have made in keeping the people of Ireland safe during these spells of extreme weather.
Roisin then took to the stage and spoke about the year passed. She spoke of the importance of making life-long friendships and how appreciative students are of their support over the last 6 years. Although she recognised the importance of learning she reminded her fellow students of the value of the fun they had and the memories they have created.
Awards were then given to well deserving students are presented to them by members of the BOM, Parent’s Association, Evelyn Cusack and Father O’ Reilly. All students also got their photos taken with their awards.
Ms Cusack also spoke to the audience. She advised students to study a subject at third level they enjoyed as then potentially this leads to a career that would prove both interesting and enjoyable. She offered to return to the school when the new Science lab and classroom which will be built shortly is complete. She also proposed to give a talk on Climate and Science. She was extremely humble and down to earth during her speech offering advice and wishing all the students well. David Mc Kane, head boy, and Roisin O’ Donovan, head girl, presented Evelyn with student’s artwork, photography of the local area and a photo of herself as a child with her mother. She was extremely grateful and joyous to receive the gifts.
The head boy David Mc Kane then also spoke to the students of the exciting chapter that lies ahead for them. He encouraged them to follow their dreams. Both head girl and boy spoke eloquently and reflected the importance of student voice and leadership in the school. The evening was extremely successful and enjoyed thoroughly by parents, staff, students and the wider community.