What is the Presidents’ Award?

Gaisce is the National challenge award from the President of Ireland to young people of Ireland between fifteen and twenty five years of age. The purpose of the award is to encourage young people to set and achieve a demanding challenge for themselves in each of four different areas as follows: Community Involvement, Personal Skills, Physical Recreation, Venture Activity.

There are three awards: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. A Bronze Award takes six to nine months to complete and the participant must be at least fifteen years of age on entry.

A Silver Award takes twelve to fifteen months to complete and the participant must be at least sixteen years of age on entry.

A Gold Award takes approximately two years of solid endeavor, and the participant must be at seventeen years of age on entry.

Students are assisted in their choice of challenge by school teaching staff. The challenge is unique to each person and the purpose of the award is to encourage young people to set a demanding and rewarding challenge for themselves.

The class of 2008 were presented with their medals and certificates in the Hollyrood Hotel, Bundoran in November. Silver medals were earned by John Moody and Michael Dowling,  while Leticia Woods, Andrew Peoples and Adam Devenney attained Bronze medals.

The President’s Award Scheme 2010

During the 2009/2010 school year six pupils have been presented with awards. Peter Fox and Vicky Lockhart achieved silver status while Georgina Smith, Richard Smith, Louise Hegarty and the late Christina Watt all acquired bronze awards. There was no formal presentation on this occasion as the pre-arranged date clashed with the Ireland v France world cup play-off, leading to its cancellation.

The awards were sent on to the school and presented at the relevant morning assembly.

Also during this school year three past-pupils of the Royal and Prior – Iain Patterson, Joanne Boal and Hazel Magee will be presented with Gold awards. This is the ultimate Gaisce award and is presented at a ceremony at Dublin Castle by President Mary Mc Aleese.

A large number of Form 4 students have signed up for this year and one student, Karen de Souza Tosadore is attempting to be the first student from the school to achieve the gold award while still a pupil. This is a rare feat as students have to be 18 before they can begin their tasks. We wish her well.