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Last Friday, transition year students graduated from Killarney Community College. The morning was delivered by TY co-ordinator Ms Kerri McCarthy who congratulated the TY class of 2018 on their many magnificent achievements throughout the year. Transition year students spoke about the highlights of the year including: The Apprentice Chef, making a film with artist and filmmaker Mieke Vanmechelen, completing their Bronze Gaisce President’s Award, going to the Ploughing Championships, completing their emergency first aid course with Sheilah Nolan, surfing at Inch Beach, involvement in the Business in the Community Programme in association with Marks & Spencers, and completing public speaking with Fair City actor Alan Devine. They spoke about learning new photography skills with Michéal O’Sullivan, and completing their car safety course with the Munster Driving Campus. They also recalled their involvement in the Jigsaw programme and the positive impact that it has on the school community. They spoke about the volunteer work that they completed in the community, fundraising for various organisations throughout the year such as Barnardos, SouthWest Counselling, The Irish Cancer Society and the Special Olympics.

TY students received the following certificates:

• First Aid Certificate
• Bronze Gaisce President’s Award Certificate
• Young Social Innovators
• FAI Coaching Certificate
• Sign Language Certificate
• Rowing Certificate
• Business in the Community Cert – active participation in the skills at work programme
• Driver Safety Programme Certificate
• Aware - Live life to the full Skills Course with Dolores O’Riordan
• Public Speaking certificate from Alan Devine

A special part of the morning included Special Certificates given for the following categories:

• Commitment and Dedication Award 2018 – Karen O’Donoghue.
• TY Student of the Year 2018 was awarded to Karolina Gunia.

According to Ms Kerri McCarthy: “Transition year in the college was another huge success. Each year it’s evolving more and more. The students are excelling in all areas, both academic and extra-curricular. In particular this year our TY student Natalia Leane won the All-Ireland Apprentice Chef title. Graduation is a very proud day for parents, teachers and students in the college as we get to celebrate and acknowledge the many achievements and accolades received throughout the year.”