Tipperary secondary school buzzing with academic and extracurricular achievement

In the CBS High School Clonmel, success for its students involves a combination of achievement, happiness, and a sense of fulfillment in various aspects of their lives.
For some it is achieving academic excellence and for others it is encompassing a sense of purpose and fulfillment and or being part of a team.

Over the last few weeks what is very obvious is the teaching staff continue to provide the students with ample opportunities to pursue their passions and dreams.
The success stories of these energetic, young High School students is a testament to the boundless potential within each student.

Students continue to excel in both academics and extracurricular activities while not forgetting the importance of making a positive impact on their community.
Recently four students who sat the Leaving Cert last year received scholarships for attaining 625 points in the State Exam. Donal Quinn, Sean McEntegart and Killian Fitzgerald were presented with the UCC Quercus Entrance Scholarship 2023/2024 and Matthew O’Ceallaigh received the UCD College Scholar Award.
TY students Peter Carroll and Tom O’Leary were acknowledged for getting the highest results nationally in the Junior Cycle German State exam. Both students have received scholarships and will travel to Germany during the summer.
Following on in the German Department Ronan Fox, a 3rd year student came 1st in the National German Essay Competition organised by the Austrian Embassy and travelled to Dublin, along with classmate Eoin Flanagan (3rd Place) and Paudie Ryan, who came 2nd in the Senior Category.

They were presented with their prizes by the Austrian Ambassador Designate Melitta Schuber. All three students were thrilled to get national recognition for their knowledge of the German language.
The High School continued its proud tradition in Model United Nations with Sam Fleming and Peter Carroll winning accolades at this year's conferences.
This educational and academic simulation of diplomatic decision making gives the students an opportunity to learn about diplomacy, international relations, the United Nations and other international organisations.
Both Sam and Peter were awarded Highly Distinguished Delegate Awards at Davis College Model UN which was held in Cork City Hall in January.

Following their successes in Cork, both students also won Best Delegate Awards at Loreto Clonmel Model UN held in March.
LCVP students in the High School submitted an enterprise action plan based on a visit to Waterford Crystal.
The trip gave students an insight into employment, tourism, apprenticeship opportunities as well as allowing them to build a relationship and open pathways with such a renowned company.
The whole LCVP class was recognised for excelling in a new competition organised by the Local Enterprise and Tipperary County Council and was thrilled to come 3rd in the county.
With students currently experiencing so much screen time, the first years, guided by teacher Tom Ryan made huge efforts before Easter to reduce their screen time in the afternoons and evenings by taking part in a Digital Detox.

There were weekly prizes of easter eggs and book vouchers and the results were amazing. Some students managed to reduce their five day average down to less than 15 minutes a day.
It was a challenging and worthwhile four weeks that was very much welcomed by both parents and teachers.
Jack Boland (6th Year) won the Sociological Association of Ireland’s Young Sociologist of the Year Competition 2024.
All submissions were blind reviewed by a team of Sociologists from University College Cork and the Sociological Association of Ireland.

The judges were very impressed by Jack’s insights on Patriarchy and his ability to integrate theory with practical examples within a very well written and researched essay titled ‘’Ireland: Is it a Patriarchy?’’ On reading his essay the judges said it was very obvious why he was chosen as the National Winner.
Clonmel is a town steeped in musical talent across all age groups. It was therefore a delight to see present students Cathal Walsh, Nathan Dalton, Keenan Scully, Sean Savage, Reece Peters, Cillian Flavin and Charlie English take to the stage with past pupils and local singers, actors and musicians in two magnificent shows Les Mis and Evita.

Both shows were so professional and provided spectacular entertainment to all who were lucky enough to get tickets.
A group of eighty-nine TY and 5th Year High School students enjoyed a recent trip to Italy accompanied by Ms. Catherine O’Dwyer (tour organiser) and several teachers.
The group had a superb trip staying in Lake Garda and visiting Sirmione, Verona and Venice and finishing with a fun-filled day in Gardaland Theme Park.
High School students are always eager to get involved in their community and help out in any way they can, to show they care. Following a very insightful and educational visit to Cluain Training Centre the students decided to do a fundraiser by organising a non-uniform day and a bake sale in aid of this excellent facility in our town centre and raised €1,100.
Students also combined fun with fundraising for SVP. The Leadership Team raised 360 Euro by running a non - uniform day in the school and the Transition Year SVP Group raised 910.88 Euro by running a Basketball Blitz, a 1st year Soccer Tournament and Speed Dating with Loreto.

They proved that raising funds for a local charity benefits not only the community but also the students' own personal development.
Oisín Martin, a 5th year student, won the senior category in the Rotary Club Essay Competition on the theme of 'Rebuilding".
Oisín's winning entry was a highly accomplished personal essay which described a grandparent's struggles with dementia and his efforts to help rebuild their world 'one memory at a time'.
He will now go forward to represent the club in the Rotary District Competition.
The school was also delighted to welcome MEP for the South of Ireland and former GAA president Sean Kelly to the HighSchool on Friday 3rd of May.

Sean met with staff and students and received a tour of the school and new astroturf pitch.
He spoke to all Politics & Society students about his work in the European Union.
The Green Schools Committee also achieved a remarkable feat, securing their second Green Flag for Water Conservations in April.

Throughout the past year the school community united in a concerted effort to reduce water consumption both within the school premises and at home. The installation of push-down taps in bathrooms was a huge success and running poster and slogan competitions further reinforced their commitment to water conservation.
Aaron Fahy, a Transition Year student, proved he has mastered the skill of Articulation, following his delivery at the National Finals of the Articulation - Public Speaking Competition at the University of Limerick on 24th April.

The competitors were invited to research a piece of Art, Architecture or an Artefact that interested them and had to put together an oral presentation.

After qualifying at the regional finals hosted by the County Museum, Aaron then advanced to the national final.
After delivering a very impressive, highly engaging and enthusiastic 10 minute presentation in front of his classmates, other schools and a panel of judges on a series of paintings by Josef Albers called ‘Homage to the Square, no one was left in any doubt as to why he was crowned the national winner.

The Woodwork and Technology Departments have been very busy unveiling their new state-of-the-art equipment and 4K interactive screens in an impressive upgrade, which includes CNC routers, laser cutters, three 60 inch interactive screens and also brand new power and hand tools for students.
The facility aims to bring a hands-on learning experience to students, connecting traditional woodworking skills with modern technology.

The upgrade was made possible by recent STEM grants and support from the school’s Board of Management. The new practical rooms allow students to work on more complex projects, ranging from furniture making to intricate architectural models using relevant modern processes.
Walking along the corridors of the High School, soaking up the energetic and happy atmosphere, the photos of all the academic and extracurricular achievements cover every inch of wall space.
Getting 625 points in the school is very attainable and receiving awards at local and national levels is very much a reality.
Becoming fully immersed in the local community and making an impact is hugely encouraged and applauded.
As the latest photo of past pupil Daire Lynch, who will soon be flying the flag for Ireland at the Olympics in Paris, is being hung, it is easy to see that dreams do come true in the CBS High School, Clonmel.