Native Irish oak saplings from Coolattin Forest, donated by Berna Hayden, added an ecological flavour to the sixth annual awards ceremony at Kumon Galway City West on Sunday. Students collected their saplings and their academic awards at an open air, restrictions compliant event, at the Galway Greyhound Stadium.
The Mayor of Galway, Cllr Colette Connolly, presided over single family presentations of certificates and medals. Bronze medallists work more than six months ahead of their age, silver medallists work more than two years ahead, and gold medallists work three or more years ahead of their age. A specially commissioned bronze was also awarded to Stephen Murphy for his role as Kumon ambassador.
Four students collected the highest academic awards as gold medal completers, having followed their subject programme up to university entry level. Mohamad Yousif (12 ) gave the opening completer speech, followed by Meera Thomas (11 ), who advised other hopeful completers to stick with it.
Lexine Estremera (16 ) the first maths completer for Kumon Galway City West who also completed the English programme, spoke of the advantages of pursuing both programmes. The Stephen Hayden Award for outstanding personal excellence was presented by Mrs Hayden to Alison Kennedy for her extraordinary efforts. Proceedings were relayed live by YouTube by Sound to Light so that families waiting in their cars and friends at home and abroad shared the ceremony live.
For further information on the Kumon English and maths programmes contact Denise Heneghan at 086 8285780 or [email protected].
