At. St. Fanchea's College's first 'face to face' prize night since November, 2019, principal Maurice Collins said that he was "thrilled" to be able to finally gather together to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the class of 2022 who have completed their GCSE, BTEc and A-Level studies.

"I want you all to know that our staff colleagues and wider school community are immensely proud of each and every one of you," said Mr. Collins, addressing the students during the prize-giving event.

He added: "As a school, we always have high expectations for our [students] and we always set challenging targets for achievement. This year, once again, we are very proud of the excellent results achieved by our girls.

"Every one of you should be so proud of your own personal achievements."

Talking about the significant impact the pandemic had on young people of the community, Mr. Collins commended his students on their resilience: "Your education has been continually interrupted by the pandemic and the strain on your social, emotional and mental wellbeing has been well documented."

He continued by acknowledging the challenges experienced by the students who transferred into St. Fanchea’s College from St. Mary’s High School in Brollagh midway through their GCSE studies.

"Your ability to adapt to new surroundings, new friends and new teachers should not be underestimated. Your achievements tonight are a credit to you, your parents and your former teachers in St. Mary’s in Brollagh," he said, addressing those students in attendance.

Encouraging the students to remember the motto of the school, 'We believe, we strive, we achieve', Mr. Collins said: "I encourage all of you girls to remember this motto and use it to guide whatever you do in your future lives.

"We in St. Fanchea’s have always shown great belief and trust in you all. We have all seen your hard work; we have been witness to the kindness and support you have shown for each other.

"We in St. Fanchea’s look with real confidence and optimism, that young women like you will be precisely the kind of people needed in the future who will make a positive difference to the world around us."

He left the students with a quote from Mark Twain: "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

Mr. Collins went on to introduce Patrick Maguire, the special guest speaker for the ceremony.

"Paddy has dedicated his entire professional life to education both in County Fermanagh and across Northern Ireland. He was a teacher for 22 years, 15 of which he was vice-principal in St. Mary’s College in Irvinestown.

"He has worked in curriculum development and as an inspector for the Department of Education. In 1994 he became Support Manager for the Computerised Local Administration System for Schools (CLASS) project, based in the Western Education and Library Board area.

"When CLASS was subsumed into C2k in 2000, he was appointed Services Delivery Manager. In this role, Paddy held responsibility for C2k support and training across all of the schools in Northern Ireland.

"Paddy has served as the member of the Board of Governors in St. Fanchea’s College since 2007. He was appointed Chairperson of the Board of Governors in 2010," said Mr. Collins in his introduction.

Mr. Maguire began his speech by outlining the changes in education over the years due to technological renovation and transformation.

"Sometimes, I look at the world I see developing around me and think of how wonderful it would be to be young again; to be able to take advantage of all the marvellous facilities that exist and those, some not even imagined yet, that will become available.

"Sometimes, I envy your generation," he said, adding: "But then I think of other aspects of where we are going, and I realise that your world can be a very scary place.

"You have so many challenges to face. Many of those will surface in the years ahead, but some are here now – in your daily lives.

"I am not going to go into any details about those, partly because I am not in a position to understand them all, but I am aware of how difficult life can be for young people today," he said, going on to acknowledge the pressures that young people are subjected to.

"You, however, have, I believe, strengths to resist those demands. You have come through St. Fanchea’s and have had the benefit of the exceptional pastoral care that this college has provided to its students for as long as I have been associated with it.

"You may not realise it, but that care and all that you have gained from it will serve you well in the times ahead.

"In the years ahead, you will, I’m sure, continue to be compassionate young women, giving support and the caring ear to those who need it. And, I hope, should you need it, being prepared to ask for help and support.

"Never be afraid to ask for advice or assistance. There will always be people very willing to help when needed."

Mr. Maguire concluded his speech by congratulating the students. He said: "Girls, my congratulations on the successful completion of your days in St. Fanchea’s – or, for those who are still with us, your time so far.

"Your hard work, despite the disruptions that resulted from Covid-19, has been rewarded in your achievements.

"Be proud of those achievements and use them as a foundation on which to build wherever life takes you. And may God bless you as you go forward on your various routes into your future lives."