ERRIGAL College hosted its annual Post-Leaving Certificate Awards Ceremony on Friday last.
The guest of honour at the awards was Letterkenny Town Centre Manager, Mr Dessie Larkin. Errigal College Principal, Mr Charlie Cannon thanked him for everything he has done for Errigal College.
There are five Post Leaving Cert FETAC courses in Errigal College: Art, Craft and Design, Business Studies, Early Childhood Care and Education, Nursing Studies and Sport and Recreation Studies. The FETAC co-ordinator is Mrs Michelle O’Reilly.
Congratulating the students Mr Cannon said that they chose to do one of the college’s PLC courses, and the staff embraced them and together they worked hard.
“Graduating this evening is a huge achievement. You have moved on to the next step of the ladder,” Mr Cannon said.
He explained that one of Errigal College’s strengths is the Work Experience module that is part of each of the five PLC courses. He thanked the business sector, school and hospitals for their ongoing help and support.
Mr Cannon thanked Mrs Anne McHugh ETB for her input and help every year in running the PLC courses. He then welcomed Mr Ciaran Rodgers in his new capacity as Acting Vice Principal.
The five PLC course co-ordinators – Mrs Marie Crossan, Mrs Michelle O’Reilly, Mrs Deirdre Markham, Mr Shaun Molloy and Mrs Deirdre Logue were thanked by Mr Cannon and applauded by the audience for the time and commitment needed to run each course.
Guest of Honour Mr Larkin thanked Mr Cannon and congratulated the students. “You took the decision last year to do a PLC course in Errigal College. You did the work, completed the assignments and sailed over the line. Your reward is tonight’s graduation ceremony,” Mr Larkin said.
Student of the Year Award
One of the high points of the evening was the presentation of the overall Student of the Year award and the five ‘Best in Class’ awards.
The winner of this was Mark McGettigan, a Business Studies student.
The Best in the Class awards went to: Art, Craft and Design – Cora O’Donnell, Business Studies – Ravpreet Kaur, Early Childhood Care and Education – Donna Doherty, Nursing Studies – Katie Nelis, and Sport and Recreation Studies – Luke Friel.
Mr Ciaran Rogers, new VP of Errigal College thanked Mr Larkin and congratulated the graduating students.
“You are now part of Errigal College’s fabric. We want to be part of your future. If you need help or advice in the future, do not hesitate to contact us,” Mr Rodgers said.
He also thanked Nuala Higgins and her staff, Errigal College’s ancillary staff. He thanked Ms Catriona Kelly, Errigal College secretary, and Mrs Elaine McGettigan, FETAC secretary for their great work. He wished retiring Nursing teacher Mary Lee a long and happy retirement.
Mr Cannon closed the ceremony by making a presentation to Mr Larkin. He recalled Mr Larkin’s father, James and the role he played in Letterkenny. Comparing James and Dessie, Mr Cannon said “your greatest quality is that you always give 100 per cent”.
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