Carrick-on-Suir school marks end of fulfilling year for its Transition Year students

Pictured at the ERSS Transition Year graduation ceremony are special guest and past pupil, Dermot Keyes, TY Student of the Year Seán Flynn and teacher Peter Foran | ERSS

placeholder image — Pictured at the ERSS Transition Year graduation ceremony are special guest and past pupil, Dermot Keyes, TY Student of the Year Seán Flynn and teacher Peter Foran | ERSS

Edmund Rice Secondary School in Carrick-on-Suir hosted a graduation ceremony for its Transition Year class

Edmund Rice Secondary School's Transition Year graduation ceremony was an evening filled with reflection, music and recognition of achievement.

The event marked the conclusion of an important year in the students’ educational journey. It was a year dedicated to personal growth, confidence building and new experiences.

Welcomed on the day was guest of honour journalist and radio producer Dermot Keyes, who is a past pupil of the school and current member of the Board of Management.

His attendance brought a special connection to the occasion, reflecting both the proud traditions of the school and the bright future ahead for the graduating students.

Transition Year is described as a bridge between the Junior and Senior Cycles, offering students opportunities to enrich and develop their educational experience while becoming more self-confident and mature individuals.

A welcoming speech from Mr Foran, TY Programme Coordinator, acknowledged the hard work, commitment and enthusiasm shown by the students throughout the year. It was followed by a series of presentations highlighting the many achievements and experiences enjoyed by the TY students.

Among the highlights were the Gaisce Awards, Transition Year work experience placements, Model United Nations participation, and the visit to Lake Garda in Italy.

Musical entertainment from Ben Dawson and Ned Gahan was enjoyed by everyone before further presentations showcased activities such as the EPAS Cross Border Event, the Bernard Casey Comedy Workshop and Dublin Barista School Training, Transition Year Mini Company project, and the students’ coaching and presentation work completed in local primary schools.

The closing address reflected on the friendships, memories, and experiences shared throughout the year. A key highlight of the evening was the inspiring talk by Dermot Keyes. He encouraged students to embrace opportunities, value community and believe in their own potential as they move forward into the next stage of their lives.

TY students were then presented with folders, Gaisce medals, special certificates of recognition, awards and gifts, celebrating their many accomplishments during a year filled with rich experiences, opportunities, travel, teamwork and friendship.