Students from eight Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) schools had their academic attainment in the State Examinations celebrated at an Awards Evening held in Tullamore College.
On Friday last, 12th October, 41 students, their families and friends, gathered for what has now become an annual celebration. Indeed, the venue itself, Tullamore College is a fitting testament to the progressive and forward-thinking dynamism associated with teaching and learning in LOETB.
The highest achievers in the Leaving Certificate 2018, the Leaving Certificate Applied 2018 and the Junior Certificate 2018 were acknowledged, celebrated and honoured for their applications and dedication to their studies, culminating in significant attainment in their relevant examinations.
The eight LOETB schools each nominated their two outstanding students based on their academic attainment in each of the categories. This resulted in 41 students being honoured on the night.
Speaking on the evening, Mr. Joe Cunningham, Chief Executive of Laois and Offaly ETB, congratulated all of the students who achieved such high grades.
He said: “It is a privilege to be here tonight, celebrating the outstanding academic achievement of our students. We are justifiably proud of the results obtained, with many of our students achieving top grades in their chosen subject areas, and many surpassing the national average. Such results are not easily attained, and it is a testament to the students, their families, and the professional teaching staff of our schools that our students have become consistently high achievers in the State Examinations”.
Mr. Cunningham stated it was also worthy of comment that so many of these Leaving Certificate students had now progressed to third-level institutions, taking their places in Universities, Institutes of Technology and other institutions.
He said: “These students have become academic ambassadors of Laois and Offaly ETB and we have no doubt the solid foundation achieved this year, will stand as a legacy towards the future potential of these young adults.”
Mr. Cunningham also made a particular point to congratulate the high achievers in the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA).
He said: “It would be remiss of me not to mention your excellent achievement in the State Examinations. The LCA Programme provides a much-valued progression pathway for those students who do not wish to attend third-level.
“Your needs, aspirations and attitudes must also be catered for, and it is only correct that all achievements are celebrated here tonight. Our world has become a complex place for learning, working and living.
“This complexity makes each and every student an individual that brings their own unique skill-set to a modern world. There are many routes to take a journey, our job and our focus, is to get you prepared for that journey, whatever the destination”.
Each of the students present received a framed certificate and a small bursary.
The event was supported by AIB who continue their strong commitment to both local education and LOETB.
SEE ALSO – Well-known Portlaoise hotel is to be put up for sale
