Edenderry's Monika Kurauske picks up Special Achievement Award at Garda Youth Awards

Edenderry's Monika Kurauske , a student at St Mary’s Secondary School, has picked up a Special Achievement Award at Laois/Offaly Garda Youth Awards.

She was one of ten Offalians to be recognised at the ceremony, which took place recently at The Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise, and honoured young people from the Laois/Offaly Garda Division by presenting them with a Garda Youth Award in the company of their family and peers.

A Garda Youth Award recognises the outstanding achievement of young people between the ages of 13 and 21 years who have undertaken exceptional work in their local communities or who have shown great determination in their own lives.

The stories of the winners on the night were emotional, inspiring and remarkable. They served to demonstrate the strength of character which our young people possess and leaves us in no doubt that our future is in safe hands.

An Garda Síochána has said it is delighted to award these young people for their outstanding achievements and their contribution to their local communities. Recipients were honoured with nineteen prestigious awards in three categories.

Monika has faced more by 16 than many people do in a lifetime. The loss of her mother at 11, and major surgery for a brain tumour during sixth class brought grief, illness and long absences from school.

Starting Secondary School while still recovering, Monika chose determination.

She returned to class, rebuilt routines, caught up on missed work. She supports newer students who are struggling, and helps make mental-health conversations more open.

Monika’s resilience has touched an entire school community of over a thousand students and staff and encouraged others facing bereavement, illness or family struggles to seek help and keep going.