The school is delighted to announce that fifth year student, Rachel Maher, has won a Rotary Youth Leadership trip to visit the European Parliament in Strasbourg in March. Along with students from all five Athlone schools, Rachel entered the competition in October and was chosen to progress to the next stage, held in Limerick in November. Following another gruelling interview, Rachel was selected to represent Ireland in Strasbourg, along with two other students from the Connacht/Munster area. During her trip she will address the European Parliament and meet other youth leaders from the European Union.
Read what Rachel has written about the experience in her blog:
“Ms Eades initially invited myself, Dearbhla O’Dwyer, Jennifer Hynes and Deirdre Campbell to apply to represent the school in this prestigious competition. We filled out forms listing our personal achievements and where we felt we had shown leadership qualities. When I was chosen, I was ecstatic!
The next stage was held in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel before a panel of Rotary Club members including Mary Ganly and Kevin Fahy. To say that I was nervous would be a huge understatement – I have never drunk so much water in a single sitting- but my crash course in interview etiquette with the unflappable Mrs Browne paid off as I focussed on not crossing my legs or staring down the panel members.
The final leg of the competition was held in Limerick in November and my uncle was chauffeur for the day. After a few unplanned “detours” we eventually arrived at the Strand Hotel. The Connacht/East Munster final turned out to be an all female affair-perhaps a sign of greater things to come in the world of politics! When I discovered that I had clinched a much coveted scholarship, I nearly fell over!
The prize is a trip to Dublin, Belfast and Strasbourg, home of the European Parliament. I am really excited at the prospect of addressing the Parliament and meeting youth leaders from other EU countries.
I would like to sincerely thank all the people involved in helping me achieve this prestigious prize, in particular:
Ms Eades, who invited me to enter
Mrs Browne, ever ready to help in preparing me for interview
Dearbhla, an endlessly supportive friend
5th Year students, who sent so many good luck messages
Mum, personal taxi organiser and all round supporter