Massive musical wins for St Finian's and Loreto Colleges
Students from St Finian’s College and Loreto College in Mullingar are celebrating today following the announcement of the winners of the Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS) Schools Mentoring Scheme.
They have won:
BEST OVERALL SHOW:
West Side Story, St Finian’s College, Mullingar
BEST SINGER:
Sean McDonnell as Tony, West Side Story, St. Finian’s College, Mullingar
BEST CHOREOGRAPHY:
West Side Story, St Finian’s College, Mullingar
BEST CHORUS:
Legally Blonde, Loreto College, Mullingar
Schools Mentoring Scheme is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering the growth and development of musical theatre among secondary school students across Ireland.
This pilot programme, which commenced in the 2024/2025 academic year, paired experienced mentors from AIMS’s network with 30 secondary schools to provide guidance, support, and expertise to schools in staging their musical productions.
The scheme is designed to enhance students’ understanding of musical theatre, from performance to production, and to inspire a new generation of artists and audiences.
AIMS president, Gerry Sweeney, stated: “Our societies have long been at the heart of community arts in Ireland. By extending our reach into schools, we aimed to ignite a passion for musical theatre among young people, providing them with the skills and confidence to pursue their creative ambitions.”
The Schools Mentoring Scheme offers participating schools the opportunity to work closely with seasoned professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge in areas such as directing, choreography, musical direction, and stage management.
Through workshops, rehearsals, and performances, students gain hands-on experience that complements their academic studies and enriches their personal development.
Frank Foley, AIMS national secretary, and secondary school, teacher stated: “This initiative not only supports the artistic growth of students but also strengthens the cultural fabric of our communities and our schools. By nurturing young talent, we ensure the continued vibrancy and sustainability of musical theatre in Ireland.”
The scheme has received positive feedback from both educators and students. Teachers have noted significant improvements in students’ teamwork, discipline, and creative expression, while students have reported increased confidence and a deeper appreciation for the arts.
As the pilot programme progresses, AIMS plans to expand the Schools Mentoring Scheme to more schools nationwide, aiming to create a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Ireland.
For more information about the Schools Mentoring Scheme or to get involved, please visit www.aims.ie or contact AIMS at secretary@aims.ie or schools@aims.ie.