Coláiste Naomh Cormac wins award for "Heart of the Neighbourhood’’ initiative
The Student Council of Coláiste Naomh Cormac has won a group award for its "Heart of the Neighbourhood’’ initiative at the recent Garda Youth Awards.
It was among ten Offaly winners 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.
The Student Council of Coláiste Naomh Cormac was awarded a Group Award for their “Croílár na Comharsanachta” or "Heart of the Neighbourhood’’ initiative.
The students managed partnerships with local primary schools in Irish, Science, French, STEAM and a sport program.
Every term they welcomed senior neighbours to “Biscuits and Bingo” in the library. They have visited nursing-home residents with carols and hand-written care-packages.
The Council celebrated diversity through a student-led Cultural Week and a community cookbook ‘Stirring up Memories’ launch, and established yoga, mindfulness and cookery classes that bring people in.
A community 5km raised significant funds for chosen charities, showing what can be achieved through volunteerism.
In reweaving intergenerational ties, the Council have built a stronger sense of belonging across the community.