Mary Immaculate Secondary School recently held its 17th Annual Student Awards Ceremony, celebrating the achievements, talents, and contributions of students across all areas of school life.
The ceremony, which has been an important tradition in the school since 2009, recognises not only academic excellence but also effort, leadership, creativity, and commitment to the wider school community.
A highlight of this year’s event was the return of past pupil Ms Martina Curtin, who travelled especially from Boston to present the final main senior awards. Ms Curtin, a native of Kilshanny and a member of the Leaving Certificate Class of 1991, has gone on to achieve remarkable success internationally. Now based in the United States, she has built a successful healthcare business and has played a leading role in the Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston, where she is the first female President to hold this position. Martina is also Co-founder of Mná Mheiriceá – a women’s networking and support group promoting connection and empowerment – and is an award winner, having received the 2024 “Community Champion” award in recognition of her contribution to the Irish community. Martina also presented the school with a very generous financial gift through the Irish American Partnership, for which we are extremely grateful. This funding will help to develop our outdoor inclusive classroom areas around the school.
Addressing students, Ms Curtin spoke warmly of her time at Mary Immaculate, describing it as “the very school where I spent five very happy years of my life.” She praised the school for its continued excellence, highlighting recent successes in areas such as science competitions, cultural activities, and student development.
In an inspiring speech, she encouraged students to believe in their potential and to embrace opportunities, reminding them that “where you come from does not limit where you can go.” Drawing on her own journey from North Clare to building a successful career abroad, she emphasised the importance of resilience, hard work, and self-belief.
The awards ceremony reflected the broad range of talents within the school. Students were recognised for excellent attendance, student leadership, and their roles as peer mentors, highlighting the strong sense of community and support within the school.
Academic excellence was also celebrated across a range of subjects, including English, Mathematics, Irish, Modern Foreign Languages, and Science. In the area of Science, honours such as Junior Scientist of the Year and Senior Scientist of the Year recognised students’ curiosity, innovation, and commitment to learning.
Mr John Sims, Science Competitions Coordinator and mentor, delivered a moving reflection on the current sixth-year group, recalling how they were the first cohort to participate in the Young Scientist Exhibition remotely during the Covid-19 pandemic while still in first year. He paid special tribute to Leaving Certificate student Oisín Jackson, who achieved the remarkable distinction of qualifying as a Young Scientist finalist for six consecutive years, earning awards at each event.
The arts played a central role in the event, with awards in visual art, music, literature, and culture recognising the creativity and imagination of students who enrich school life. Similarly, achievements in sport were honoured, reflecting the commitment, teamwork, and pride shown by students representing the school in various disciplines.
A number of special awards were also presented on the day. The Hughie Kivlehan Award, recognising resilience and kindness, was awarded to Leaving Certificate student Eoghan Burke. The Mercy Award was presented to Grace Dunne, and the CEIST Award to April O’Donnell, both Leaving Certificate students, in recognition of how they embody the faith, ethos, and core values of the school.
The Junior Student of the Year award went to Béibhinn O’Loughlin, while the Senior Student of the Year was awarded to Aisling Vaughan, acknowledging their outstanding contribution to school life.
In her address, the Principal, Ms Mona Hynes, reminded students that the ceremony is about more than awards, emphasising that kindness, effort, and contribution to the school community are equally important measures of success. She noted that “when one person succeeds, it lifts us all,” highlighting the strong sense of unity within Mary Immaculate.
The event concluded with an acknowledgment of staff, students, and guests who contributed to another successful and uplifting celebration.
The return of Ms Martina Curtin, alongside the recognition of student achievement at every level, made the ceremony a memorable occasion and a fitting celebration of the spirit and values of Mary Immaculate Secondary School.