Two RCS students were recognised at the recent Wexford Garda Youth Awards which took place on Monday 18th May in the Wexford County Council buildings. This is the 10th year of the awards which recognise the achievements of young people who are making a positive impact in their own lives and within their communities across the Wexford Garda Division.
The event was a tremendous success, with more than 120 people in attendance to celebrate the outstanding achievements of these young people. The night was MC’d by South East Radio presenter Alan Corcoran and thirteen awards were presented recognising both groups and individuals who overcame adversity, made positive contributions to their communities, and groups who led a variety of initiatives.
6th year student Valeriia Stepanenko was nominated by the school in recognition of her role as Student Equality Officer in the Irish Second Level-Students Union (ISSU). Originally from Ukraine, Valeriia came to Wexford in 2022 as a war refugee after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As part of her role in the ISSU, Valeriia has been involved in the Youth Migration Programme Podcast which gives students from other countries a platform to express how they feel about supports which are made available to them here in Ireland as well as advocating for equality at both local and national levels.
Valeriia’s involvement in the ISSU has stemmed from her roles here in RCS as a Learning Leader in the Learning Hub as well as a Student Council Representative and Prefect. On top of her roles in the Student Council and on the ISSU, Valeriia also volunteers as a translator the community where she liaises and collaborates with the local enterprises, organisations and other stakeholders including the Gardaí.
1st year student Luke Furrutter Sanders was nominated for an award by his mam to recognise the support that he has shown his family. Luke is a fantastic support to his mam and helps out greatly with his two younger siblings who have autism. Luke has consistently shown extreme maturity for his age and when asked on the night by MC Alan Corcoran what advice he’d give to other students, he responded with a simple, yet powerful “show kindness”.
Past pupil of RCS, Darragh Power, was also recognised on the night. Darragh sadly passed away in March of this year after a long-fought battle with Cystic Fibrosis. Darragh was nominated by his family to honour his amazing spirit and they said he was always the life and soul of their family. His family described Darragh as someone who always lived life to the fullest and had a huge love for his friends, family, school and sports.
The school is immensely proud of our students who were honoured on the night and we are delighted to see their achievements recognised during such a prestigious event as the Garda Youth Awards.