KCS awarded Green Schools Secondary Water School of the Year

On Wednesday, May 17th, Ms. Fitzpatrick and four dedicated members of Kinsale Community School's Green Schools Committee embarked on a train journey to Dublin for the highly anticipated water awards. It was an early start for the students, gathering at the train station at 6:30 am but we were all too excited to sleep.

 Upon arrival, at Castleknock hotel, we were greeted with of tea, coffee, and scones. The event showcased an impressive display of water-themed projects from top schools across the country. We eagerly watched videos from other schools and admired their creatively designed posters. As the ceremony approached it's conclusion, the tension grew. The final category, "School of the Year," was the one in which we had been nominated. Anticipation filled the air as they began announcing the regional winners. "Drumroll please"; the suspense was unbearable. Then, the announcement we had been waiting for: "The winner of the southern regional award is Kinsale Community School!" Delight flooded through us as we were presented with a beautiful glass trophy, our water flag, a green flag, and a certificate. We had hardly settled back into our seats when they revealed the overall winners. Our hearts raced with uncertainty. We had dedicated ourselves to this cause for the past two years, but had it been enough? Were we truly making a difference?A brief moment of silence hung in the air, prolonging the tension. Then, time seemed to slow as the words were uttered: "Kinsale Community School, the Secondary School of the Year!" Stunned, we almost forgot to collect our well-deserved award. As they read out our list of achievements, it finally sank in. This was not just a stroke of luck; it was the culmination of consistent effort paying off. Pictures were taken, delicious food was eaten, and to celebrate, we made a memorable trip to the national gallery.

After a long day in Dublin, our fifth-year students devoted themselves to studying on the train ride back. However, every now and then, a smile would appear on their faces—a silent acknowledgment of the fact that they had emerged victorious. Knowing that our hard work had been recognized and rewarded filled us with immense pride. The Green Schools Committee would like to say a massive thank you to Miss Fitzpatrick for her unwavering commitment and encouragement. We could not have won without her dedication and guidance. We'd also like to thank to Ms. O'Shea, for her infectious enthusiasm and support.

By Lilian Gleave