The prizegiving for St.Kevin’s College, Lisnaskea took place last Friday (September 23) and those present were encouraged by Principal Gary Kelly to be the next leaders in society.

Mr. Kelly reflected on the last number of years in his speech during what has been a challenging time for many, not just the students.

He said: “We are all gathered here today to celebrate your achievements, whether on the sports pitch, classrooms, or Examination Hall, over the past year or seven years. First, I would like to say we are extremely proud of you, the way you have overcome too many challenges thrown at you over the past two years – be that the COVID pandemic, lockdowns, online learning, schools restarting and stopping and then restarting again, reintroduction of formal exams, revision, obtaining a University or College place or Course, student accommodation, student finance – the pressure and stress you have faced has been never-ending.”

He encouraged passion in those attending the prizegiving and said: “Give yourself a cause, be passionate about issues, become well-read in an area – you'll find it more rewarding when you work for the betterment of something beyond your own life, and it'll take you further in your career – for me, it's improving Saint Kevin's College Pupil's education and their life opportunities. My goal was to make a difference in people's futures rather than get a dream job.

The principal also advised those present to be “the most hopeful person in the room.”

He said: “I'm not talking about wishful thinking or being naïve; the person with the most hope in the room is the person with the most influence. Hope brings creativity and optimism. It's what the best people convey all the time, especially under pressure.”

Encouraging leadership among the students, Mr. Kelly said: “When you look at your world and the problems we face, it's clear we need a new generation of leaders rising up in our country. Fuel costs, inflations, war, poverty, global warming. If you're someone who sees opportunities to make a difference in the midst of all those problems around us, the chances are you can be one of those leaders.

“If we're honest, we know the world has plenty of smarter people than me or you. What it lacks is enough good people. To fight for the right things in the right way. To live and work with passion, commitment, integrity and humility.

He continued: “Whether it's making a difference in your household, community, in Ireland or the world, we need good people like you to become the next leaders.”