By Michelle Crean  

Key moments of the adventures and new experiences were remembered at a graduation ceremony this week. 

Transition Year students from Killarney Community College pictured with their awards on Tuesday.

Students from Transition Year at Killarney Community College spoke about their journey including Theatre Studies, Yoga, Law Education Programme, First Aid, Outdoor Activities, Work Experience, Community Work, Young Social Innovators, Minicompany, Gaisce, the list goes on.

The celebration was presented by TY coordinator Lorraine Crowley, who congratulated the TY Class of 2022 on their many magnificent achievements throughout this TY year.

The graduation ceremony opened on Tuesday with the whole class singing 'Riptide' by Vance Joy, while playing Ukuleles, a skill they learned in music during TY.

"Our students showed great resilience, empathy and kindness all year long and flourished into an amazing little family of support for one another," teacher Lorraine said.

"They should be very proud of themselves when we look at all the awards won and certificates completed in the different courses and programmes."

AWARDS

A special part of the afternoon was the presentation of special certificates given for Best Overall Logbook Award 2022 which went to Katie Herlihy, Empathy and Kindness Award 2022 Blanca Beltran Juan, Most Empowered Student of TY 2022 Sophie Jacobi, Generosity of Spirit and Talent Award 2022 Chloe Lynch Herlihy, Commitment and Dedication Award 2022 Ona Moreno Font, and the big award: TY Student of the Year 2022 was awarded to Tamika Heaphy. 

A new award this year, a Certificate of Appreciation was presented to each student of Transition Year for their voluntary work completed with Killarney Lions Club and St Francis Special School in Beaufort.

Denis Doolin from Killarney Lions Club and Elaine Moore from St Francis Special School congratulated the TY class on the day for the amazing work they completed, raising almost €1,000 for the Killarney Lions Club, planting trees with them for World Tree Day in March, and creating a sensory library for the students at St Francis Special School in Beaufort. Both Elaine and Denis commended the students on their giving and support in their community throughout the year.

Nine TY students were presented their Bronze Gaisce President's Award by Eva Lyne. Eight students received their Level 6 Certificate in Digital Skills for STEM that they completed throughout the year in conjunction with MTU, Microsoft Ireland and Maynooth University. These eight students will be awarded 50 extra points after their Leaving Cert for a STEM course in MTU. Rabea Fluegel and Angelina Kendel were also commended for getting to the finals of the BT Young Scientist with their project 'How Quarantine and Home Office Affects our Psyche'.

Chloe Lynch Herlihy, winner of Who's Got Talent 2022, sang 'The Climb' by Miley Cyrus. The whole class sang 'Memories' at the end of the ceremony that they had re worded for the class.

According to Lorraine it was "another hugely successful Transition Year in the college".

"It is always amazing to see all of the achievements by our students and to see them grow throughout the year. The students excelled personally, academically and in their extra-curricular activities."