Young leaders reach new heights with Mullingar Rotary Club
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Finalists and judges (from left) John Geoghegan, Marie O’Toole, James Ryan, Coláiste Mhuire, Mia Perry, Mullingar Community College, Alanza Rose, St Joseph’s, Rochfortbridge. Melissa Keogh, Columba College, Killucan, Cillian Carey, St Finian’s College, Pat Webb and Dónal Lawlor.Image 2 of 2
James Ryan of Coláiste Mhuire, who was selected to go forward to the regional finals.Mullingar Rotary Club recently held the finals of their Youth Leadership Development Competition, and event geared towards 16 and 17-year-old fifth year students in the local secondary schools. The students who participated were from Coláiste Mhuire, St Finian’s College, Mullingar Community College, St Joseph’s Secondary School, Rochfortbridge and Columba College, Killucan.
They were interviewed by a panel of judges on topics which included qualities required for a good leader, their own leadership experience, current affairs, the environment, and their knowledge of the EU.
Five finalists were selected, one from each school, and after a final grilling from the judges, James Ryan of Coláiste Mhuire was selected to go forward as the Mullingar representative at the Zone Final, which will be hosted by Athlone Rotary Club.
The winner of the Zone Final will enjoy an all-expenses paid trip to Strasbourg, Belfast and Dublin in the coming months with fellow zone winners from around the island of Ireland.
Congratulations are extended to James and to the other school winners: Mia Perry, Mullingar Community College; Alanza Rose, St Joseph’s, Rochfortbridge; Melissa Keogh, Columba College, Killucan; Cillian Carey, St Finian’s College, and to all participants.
Dónal Lawlor of the Mullingar Rotary Youth Team Lead said: “The enthusiasm of all the participants and the standard of presentations was very high and great credit is due to all entrants for putting in the time and effort to enter this competition.
“The judges were especially impressed by the leadership experience of each of the participants in their schools but also in other fields. They give us great hope for the future.
“We hope everyone enjoyed the experience and benefited from taking part. And of course, we extend best wishes to James in the Zone Final.
“Once again, we’d like to thank teachers and parents for all the help and encouragement they give to students.”
Mullingar Rotary Club would like to give a special thanks to Marie O’Toole, who joined Rotary members, Pat Webb, John Geoghegan, and Dónal Lawlor, on the various interview panels during the review and judging process.