Today, the school community at Bunclody Community College gathered to celebrate the achievements, talents, and dedication of students at the annual Junior and Senior Awards Day. The occasion recognised the hard work and positive contributions of students across all aspects of school life throughout the academic year.
Students received a wide range of awards, including Academic Awards, Merit Awards, Solas Awards for outstanding effort and perseverance, and Core Values Awards recognising students who embody the values of the Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board. These core values — Excellence in Education, Care, Equality, Community, and Respect — are central to daily life in Bunclody Community College and were reflected throughout the ceremony. Awards were also presented in the areas of Sport, Music, and the Arts, highlighting the many talents and achievements across the school community.
The event celebrated not only academic success, but also kindness, leadership, creativity, teamwork, resilience, and commitment — qualities that continue to make Bunclody Community College such a vibrant and supportive learning environment.
A special congratulations was extended to this year’s major award recipients:
- Junior Student of the Year: Kate Mahon
- Senior Student of the Year: Cillian Jeffers
- Sportsperson of the Year: Carla Byrne
The citation for Senior Student of the Year reflected the enormous regard in which Cillian, who managed to keep up his attendance despite a knee injury, is held by both staff and students:
“We are really delighted to be handing the Senior Student of the Year Award to this student. Since they arrived in this school almost six years ago, despite the unprecedented challenges they, and all of their classmates, had to face, including having those faces covered, they still managed to knit seamlessly into the Bunclody CC community, embodying all the core values that we as a school strive to represent.
This student has always demonstrated a good-humoured respect for staff and peers, demonstrated care for their friends and classmates, has been a valued member of the school community on many levels, has spoken out in support of equality, and of course showcases excellence in education on a daily basis with valuable and insightful contributions to classwork, homework, and extra-curricular activities.
This doesn’t come easy to any student, but this student makes it look easy. They are easy-going but clearly driven, a deep thinker but witty conversationalist. This person is a good student but is probably an even greater friend. This student personifies the core values we have already spoken about and, as many of you might sum up in one word — sound.
Kate Mahon was also warmly praised as Junior Student of the Year for her outstanding contribution to school life, her commitment to her studies, and the positivity and leadership she consistently demonstrates among her peers.
Kate has worked consistently in terms of academics and has also demonstrated the core values that the school works hard to encourage on a daily basis.
The event celebrated not only academic success, but also kindness, leadership, creativity, teamwork, resilience, and commitment — qualities that continue to make Bunclody Community College such a vibrant and supportive learning environment.
Carla Byrne has been named Sportsperson of the Year in recognition of her outstanding contribution to school and community sport. A talented soccer player for Carlow, Carla has proudly represented her school across many sporting fields with skill, determination, and leadership.
Both on and off the pitch, Carla has been a positive role model, serving as a coach and mentor to younger students. Her dedication, teamwork, and commitment to encouraging others have made her a respected figure among teammates and staff alike. Carla’s achievement is a fitting reward for her hard work and sporting excellence.