St. Joseph's College students celebrated at annual prize night in Enniskillen

Student Sean Sheerin, recieving The Contribution To School Life Cup from Brendan Lilley, Fuels and Lubricants.

Principal Helena Palmer welcomed all in attendance on the night, which included members of the school's board of governors; past and present, the guest speaker, staff, students and parents.

She began her speech by thanking the students' parents: "I want to start with the most important thanks of all; to our parents who place the greatest trust in us to care for, educate and inspire your children. We recognise the responsibility we bear, and the privilege we enjoy in contributing to your children’s lives."

Subject Award Winners are back from left, Coalin McGahey, Kalial Hicks, Conon McCann, Konstanin Vasilev and Aron Malone. Front from left, Colm Keown, Nathaniel Enkoma, Darragh Keaney and Caelan Jones.

Mrs. Palmer continued by explaining that at St. Joseph's, the aim is to educate "the whole person".

"We want every child to achieve their very best academically and we can rightly be proud of the achievements of our students. We want our boys to have developed the various skills that will make them thrive in the world that is ahead of them," she said, going on to highlight the school's focus on digital learning and innovation: "[Students] are experiencing lessons taught to them using the latest cutting end technology. Teachers and pupils are using digital technology in the classroom like never before.

Special Award Winners at St.Josephs College, from left, Lukas McNally, Elamantas Andruskevicius, Christopher Maguire, Danielis Andruskevicius and Sean Sheerin.

"We are at the forefront of this work and will continue to strive for excellence for our pupils both in the provision of the resources required and, in the standards, achieved."

Quoting the observation of astronaut Jim Lovell, Commander of Apollo 13, that "there are three types of people in this world; people that make things happen, people that watch things happen and people that just wonder what happened,” Mrs. Palmer added: "You are not educated to become bystanders but to make things happen and we expect you to shoulder that responsibility.

Year 14 Prize Winners are front from left, Joe Doherty, Michael Boyle, Eoin Bullion and Corey Smith. Back from left, Hilina Palmer, Principal, Dennis McGinley, Head Boy and Sean Fee, Deputy Head Boy.

"Make no mistake, responsibility is a burden, but it is also the greatest privilege to have the skills to shape events in your own lives and the lives of others around you."

After thanking all who have contributed to the school community, Mrs. Palmer concluded her speech by ending on a famous quote: "You are strong when you know your weakness, you are beautiful when you appreciate your flaws, you are wise when you learn from your mistakes."

Subject Award Winners, front from left, Oisin Murphy, Logan Ferguson, Pascal Fee and Jack Barrett. Back from left, Tiearnan McCandy, Eamon Og Magee, Jaden Connolly and Helina Palmer, Principal.

Guest speaker at the prize night was successful local businessman Nicky Cassidy, who is a proud former student of St. Joseph's College.

Nicky holds strong and fond memories of his time at St. Joseph’s as part of the choir, the football team, and the Christmas show, which he spoke of on the night.

Sports Award Winners are front from left, Shea Feeley, Eoin Corrigan, Corey Smith and Jack Barrett. Back from left, Helena Palmer, Principal, Duane Kerrigan, Kane Ingram and Deirdre Quinn, Teacher.

“I have always been proud to be a St. Josephs student,” he said on the night.

He recalled his own experience of prize night as a student himself in 1993 when Peter Quinn was guest speaker at the event. He explained how Peter's words inspired him that night when he told the students that "the world is your oyster if you’re prepared to put in the hard work".

Joe Palmer, Top Achiever GCSE, receiving his cup from Helena Palmer, Principal.

Nicky told those present: “St. Joseph's has taught me standards and values which I have carried through to this very day; respect for each other, and respect for yourself.”

He spoke about his own life experiences, his path into the hospitality world, and his health crisis where the values of St. Joseph’s remained strong to him. Even when things were at their bleakest, his values taught him "to turn up, to try your best and to persevere".

GCSE Subject Award Winners at St. Josephs College are back from left, Joe Palmer, James Kellagher, Mark Donaghey, Mack Buick, James Baird, Luke Kettyles and Mantas Podriadclkovas. Front from left, Callum McGilley, Mark Boyd, Odhran Houston, Eoin Corrigan

He is proud now to lead a team of 180 employees with a number of ex-St. Joseph’s students leading up his management company.

Helena Palmer, Principal with Eoin Bullion, Principals Award Winner.

His parting advice to the students present was: “Find out what you’re good at, what makes you happy, and work at that. And also, try a little harder at school.”