Laois graduates rewarded for all their hard work

IT WAS a proud occasion for 28 students from Portlaoise College last week when they graduated with level 6 certificates in 21st Century Digital Skills from Maynooth University.

The recipients were: Nada Alhariri, Natalia Benedikova, Lucy Carlin, Kamelija Cirule, Orlagh Creery, Eire Delaney, Niamh Donaghy, Bronwyn Farrell, Jaela Halberstadt, Abbie Maher, Jessica Maher, Ciara McComish Day, Aoife Morris, Sarah O'Reilly, Nicola Owczarek, Chloe Palco, Ellen Peacock, Molly Piekarska, Nikolina Rakanovic, Sophie Robertson, Saoirse Scully, Jessica Sescu, Monika Szymanska, Taralyte Arneta, Kyla Walsh, Jessica Witek, Wiktoria Wolanin and Sorcha Wright Twomey.

They achieved their awards as part of the STEM Passport for Inclusion programme, which aims to address disparities in access to STEM careers among girls in Irish secondary schools.

For the students, the qualification opens doors and is a stepping stone towards further studies or careers in the digital sector. Many now have access to direct entry options into STEM courses at university level, ensuring that their efforts will have a lasting impact on their futures. They now also have 50 leaving cert points when applying to STEM courses in Maynooth, ATU and MTU.

Speaking at the graduation, Daryl Egan, the school’s guidance counsellor and a learning leader on OIDE's (support service for teachers and school leaders) guidance team, said it was a proud moment for all involved, which recognised the dedication, effort and passion that brought the students to complete the programme.

He thanked the Microsoft mentors for creating “an inspiring and supportive environment, where students could explore new ideas and learn through hands-on experiences. The students walked away with a new appreciation for STEM and the possibilities it holds, with some even reviewing their fifth-year subject choices.” Portlaoise College principal Noel Daly said: “We are proud of our students’ dedication and hard work. Their success reflects the effectiveness of initiatives like the STEM Passport for Inclusion in promoting educational advancement. The programme has given the students not only practical skills but also confidence in their ability to pursue further studies in STEM. The commitment of staff members Ms Cullen, Mr Egan, Ms Kelly, and Mr Kenny, as well as the students, were recognised through our receipt of one of the Outstanding School Engagement Awards.” The STEM Passport for Inclusion is a joint initiative between Maynooth University, Microsoft Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland and the Department of Education. It combines an educational qualification with support and mentoring from industry professionals, creating opportunities for students to progress to higher education and pursue STEM qualifications.