Waterford students acknowledged at graduation ceremony

Students in a County Waterford secondary school were acknowledged recently at a graduation ceremony, ahead of this year's Leaving Certificate examinations.

On Wednesday, May 20, leaving cert students in St Declan's Community College in Kilmacthomas, were joined by fellow-students, parents and teachers for a memorable graduation ceremony.

The event celebrated achievement, friendship and the journey of school life, while also providing moments of reflection and gratitude.

The ceremony began with a warm welcome from the Senior Leadership Team, led by Ms Gráinne Walsh and Ms Eleanor Uí Chathain.

Ms Walsh opened the ceremony by greeting those in attendance and introducing the afternoon’s hosts, Isabelle Fitzgerald and James Drohan, who guided the audience through the programme with confidence and enthusiasm.

One of the most moving moments of the ceremony followed, during the lighting of the candle ceremony. 

Parent Nicky Butler gave a reading while his daughter Leah Rose lit the candle. 

Ms Eleanor Uí Chathain then invited everyone to reflect, as a candle was lit for Mr M Carroll and Ms E Carroll, in remembrance of their mother and father, who had recently passed away. 

The touching tribute created a moment of quiet reflection among those present.

A school spokesperson said music played an important role throughout the evening, beginning with Ewan O’Keeffe’s performance of 'Favourite', by Fontaines DC, which was warmly received by the audience. 

That was followed by a nostalgic video created by Mr Briggs, bringing laughter and emotion as students looked back on memories and moments shared throughout their school years.

Ms Uí Chathain later introduced the tutors for the graduating classes, who proudly presented students with their certificates, marking an important milestone in their educational journey.

Further musical performances added to the atmosphere of celebration, with Jennie Calnan and Spencer Bowman performing 'For Good', a song that reflected the lasting friendships formed over the years. 

"Students also joined together for a heartfelt group performance of 'Schoolyard Days', which captured the spirit and memories of school life," said the spokesperson.

Speeches throughout the evening highlighted the strong sense of community within the school. 

"Tom O’Donnell represented the first-year students with a thoughtful speech, while Alannah Richards delivered a moving address on behalf of the graduating class, reflecting on shared experiences and hopes for the future," said the spokesperson.

"Music returned to the stage as Ewan and Shane performed 'Dreams', accompanied by Caoimhe, Jennie, and Spencer, delivering another memorable performance that was met with enthusiastic applause," she added.

Assistant Principal Ms O’Gorman then addressed the sixth-year students, congratulating them on their achievements and encouraging them as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives.

As the ceremony drew to a close, Ms Uí Chathain expressed sincere thanks to everyone who had contributed to making the event such a success, from staff and students to families and supporters, and in particular Ms Curran, who put immense effort into the school events.

"Without her it would not have been possible," noted Ms Uí Chathain.

The evening ended on a high note with a lively group finale performance of 'This Is the Life', bringing everyone together in a fitting celebration of friendship, memories, and new beginnings. 

"The graduation ceremony was a night filled with joy, reflection, and pride, a farewell that students are sure to remember for many years to come," said the spokesperson.