Mr. Michael McGrath, T.D., Minister for Finance, had glowing tributes for over 295 Cork ETB who were honoured last Friday night (10th February 2023) in City Hall, for displaying academic excellence in their Leaving Certificate and Leaving Certificate Applied Examinations, as well as the Student of the Year for 2022.
For the first time since 2019, Cork ETB held the event in person, with over 800 family, guests and Principals in attendance, to showcase the students who received accolades for attaining exceptional results in their examinations.
The Class of 2022 saw the highest ever numbers of students receiving awards from Cork ETB, with 32 students from 10 schools achieving the “perfect score” of 625 points in their examinations.
Minister McGrath said: “It is an honour to be invited to this event as it is important to give recognition for achievement. You are all here because you achieved something special ad deserve to be commended.
He acknowledged the challenges that Covid posed for all students and their families and stated that students had endured the impact of Covid during their senior years in education and this underlines the achievement it is to be here tonight.
He concluded by stating that “Education and investment in education is one of the foundations of Ireland’s economic success. You are the future of our Country, and we look forward to your leadership in the future”.
Cork ETB’s Chief Executive, Mr. Denis Leamy said: “In yet another remarkable and challenging year, we are honouring 290 students from across 25 Cork ETB schools, for their fabulous results in the 2022 Leaving Certificate and Leaving Certificate Applied Examinations. The results that you have achieved in the Leaving Certificate and Leaving Certificate Applied Examinations are among the very best in the country. This is a moment of celebration not only for you, but also for your parents who supported, cajoled and stood by you, and you have repaid them in the very high results you have gained”.
Mr. Leamy took the opportunity to pay a special thanks and tribute to the Principals and Teachers in each Cork ETB school. He stated. “Your results are a testament to the quality of teaching, learning and leadership in each school. Huge credit is due to your teachers who encouraged you to such great results. The last few years has tested the resilience, innovation, adaptability and leadership of all our schools and they too have surpassed all that could be reasonably expected of them”.
The categories in which students that excelled and were recognised by Cork ETB for their accomplishments during the virtual awards ceremony were:
- 130 students received medals for the Leaving Certificate – from 625 points to 578 points
- 75 students received Special Commendation Certificates for the Leaving Certificate, from 577 to 553
- 2 students received the Tomás Ó Conaill medal for the Leaving Certificate Applied – 100%.
- 64 Students received Special Commendation Certificates for the Leaving Certificate Applied from 98% to 85% –
- 25 Students received Student of the Year – across 25 Cork ETB schools.
Those in high spirits on the evening included 32 students who achieve a staggering 625 points in last summer’s Leaving Certificate exams. Each of these students across Cork city and county received the prestigious Board Medal for their exemplary efforts.