Prinicipal Roisín Nic Tighearnáin, Rachel Creevy, Mary Creevy, Hazel Rowley, Gemma Smyth, home school community liaison officer, and, in front, Alex Creevy and his sister Rachel.

Symone Rowley Memorial Cup awarded for 100% attendance

Olga Aughey

Published: Thu 1 Dec 2022, 10:08 AM

The staff of Educate Together NS awarded a special prize to the student who achieved close to 100% attendance over his school career, 12-year-old Alex Creevy, now at Columba College in Killucan.

The Symone Rowley Memorial Cup is named in honour 12-year-old Symone, a former pupil of Educate Together NS who passed away in May.

“Symone was one of our star attenders, and to commemorate her and to let her memory live on in the school because she was so central to us, in partnership with her family, we’ll present this every year to the person who reaches as close 100% attendance over their entire schooling,” said school principal Roisin Nic Tighearnáin.

“She was a great girl for attending school, and doing everyone else’s homework,” said Roisin, “She was a great character, and she never lost her sense of humour, she could say anything with her big smile.”

Symone's mum,. Hazel, presents the memorial cup to Alex Creevy.

Symone’s mother Hazel presented the cup. “She had been sick for two years but we found out she was terminal in February, she had stage 4 cancer of the spinal chord, and she passed away in May. She got to come home, which was a great thing,” said Hazel.

“She loved school, and always wanted to stay longer, she helped others with their reading,” said Hazel, adding that Symone has four other siblings, who also “love school”.

“She has an older sister, Angel, she’s 15 and attending Mullingar Community College, a little brother Oliver (11) who’s in sixth class, Skylar (7) is in second class, and Harley (5) in junior infants.

“They found it really hard in the beginning, but they live in the present and not in the past, they bring her memories with them and talk about her all the time, which is lovely to hear – all their stories about her. They’re loving school at the moment. They keep you going, get you up in the morning and get you out.”

Principal Roisín congratulates Alex on his achievement.

At the presentation to Alex Creevy and his family, Roisin said: “Last June we were delighted to have Symone’s family present Alex Creevy with the Symone Rowley Memorial Cup at the sixth class graduation. Alex proudly had the best attendance over his primary schooling at Mullingar Educate Together NS.

“To celebrate Symone Rowley’s contribution to our school community and to keep her memory alive, along with Symone’s parents, we have established the Symone Rowley Memorial Cup. Symone was renowned for her excellent attendance and received awards for that during her time here. This cup will be presented on an annual basis to the child achieving the best attendance over their primary schooling.

“Symone’s attendance and contribution to our school over the years were second to none. Her cheerful, kind and mischievousness nature struck all who met her. The cup is a fitting way to remember Symone’s short but full life and to keep her memory alive.”

Alex Creevy said: “I missed a few days here in Educate Together but not much. I’m going to Columba College in Killucan now and I like it. I’ve only missed one day there school so far,” he said.

Roisin told Alex: “You will hold this cup now until next June. Well done Alex, and continue your good attendance in Columba College.”