St Patrick’s College Ballymena celebrates student success at annual prizegiving ceremony

McDonnell Shields for Head Boy and Head Girl presented to students Ruairi Hendron and Aleena Shiji

St Patrick’s College, Ballymena has celebrated the achievements of its pupils during the 2024–25 academic year at its annual prizegiving ceremony, which featured an inspiring address by past pupil and businesswoman Mrs Johanna Montgomery.

Mrs Montgomery, who trained as a kitchen designer before expanding into wider areas of home design, shared insights from her career journey and encouraged students to “follow their dreams and to work hard to overcome obstacles.”

Speaking to pupils, parents and staff, Principal Paul Fitzpatrick reflected on a year of exceptional academic performance and personal growth across the school community.

“Today is one of the most important days in our school’s calendar. It is the day on which we recognise the achievements, and praise the efforts of you, the students,” said Mr Fitzpatrick.

He highlighted the outstanding GCSE and A Level results achieved by pupils, noting that a large number of students secured five or more GCSEs at A-C*, preparing them for further education and training.

Winners of cups and shields with (l-r) Mr Fitzpatrick, Mrs Montgomery, Councillor Jackson Minford (Mayor of Mid and East Antrim) and Mr Cathal Hughes (Chair of Governors)

Seven pupils — Nadia Dobrzanska, Sophia Grebin, Julia Lawicka, Sean McAlister, Erinmae Mitchell, Neha Shanil and Michelle Trawinska — achieved ten GCSEs at A*-C, while another four — Rachel Gillan, Callum Logan, Mara Richmond and Erik Zelina — earned nine passes at the same level.

Mr Fitzpatrick praised the cohort’s resilience, particularly as they had been among those most affected by pandemic-related disruptions to their early education.

“They lost their last three months of primary school, with all the special ceremonies and events which take place at that stage, and they then came in here to spend their first year of secondary school in the same classroom all day every day,” he said.

“Thankfully all of that is now a distant memory and we can congratulate them on their results and wish them every success.”

Academic Excellence Across the Board

St Patrick’s College students, greeting guests in their home languages

At A Level, the principal reported that the majority of students achieved three grades at A-C*, with a 100% pass rate across almost all subjects.

Notably, 38% of pupils achieved at least one A or A grade*, with top marks accounting for more than one in five of all results.

Graduating pupils have since progressed to a range of universities and colleges, including Ulster University, Stranmillis University College, Bournemouth University, Derby University and Liverpool Hope University, pursuing degrees in disciplines such as Accounting and Finance, Journalism, Sociology, Sport and Health, and Early Childhood Studies.

Mr Fitzpatrick also extended heartfelt thanks to the teaching staff, praising their dedication and commitment to student success.

“Our staff truly go the extra mile with our students,” he said. “Finally, I would like to congratulate those of you on this side of the hall; our parents and guardians, who do so much to support your children at home.”

Change and Growth Within the School

Attendance Award winners with Mrs Montgomery and Councillor Minford

The ceremony also marked transitions within the staff team, as three long-serving teachers — Mrs Barbara O’Callaghan, Mr Paul Jordan and Mrs Mona McIlroy — retired after a combined 63 years of service to the college.

New appointments include Mrs Ciara McKee (Technology and Construction), Dr James McAuley (Maths), and Mrs Geraldine Conlon (Specialist Provision), as well as Miss Brianne Esler, a recent past pupil who has joined the English, RE and Geography departments.

A major highlight of the year was the expansion of the school’s Specialist Provision in Mainstream Education (SPiMs) facilities, which opened in September 2024 with two small classes, and now include a third classroom completed in recent weeks.

Sports Award winners with Mr Fitzpatrick, Mrs Montgomery, Cllr Minford and Mr Hughes

The opening of the SPiMs unit was marked by a special ceremony in April, attended by Chris Quinn, Northern Ireland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People.

“Our three teachers… along with our dedicated Learning Support Assistants… work hard to provide quality learning experiences for the children in these classes,” Mr Fitzpatrick said, commending the team for their creativity and care.

Students in the SPiMs classes enjoyed a variety of learning experiences throughout the year, including educational trips and visits from therapy dogs.

As the college celebrated another year of progress, community and achievement, Mr Fitzpatrick concluded his remarks with optimism for the future:

“All of our young people face great challenges in a fast-changing world, and it is wonderful to see how they are working to overcome these challenges, and succeeding in doing so.”

Winners of Academic and Merit Awards with Mrs Montgomery, Councillor Minford and Mr Hughes

GCSE Award winners with Mr Fitzpatrick, Mrs Montgomery, Cllr Minford and Mr Hughes

AS and A2 Level Award winners with Mr Fitzpatrick, Mrs Montgomery, Cllr Minford and Mr Hughes

First Trust Cup for Mathematics - Agnieszka Marczewska and Konrad Las

Hardy Cup for Science - Elizabeth Ssembatya

McCracken Cup for Art and Design - Neela McAdam

Sr Attracta Memorial Cup for Irish - Sophia Burns

Mourne Shield for Music - Pretty Kebirungi

MacCrory Rosebowl for Travel and Tourism - Esther Kasule

Shaun McCann Perpetual Cup for Geography at Key Stage 3 - Anna Sebastian

O'Dornan Cup for French - Ephraim Jacob

McGroggan Cup for French at Key Stage 3 - Anaya Bhargavaram

McKenna Cup for Business and Communications - Pearse Devlin

Gemma McAuley Cup for Junior Girls' PE - Ailes Mathew

Damian Prosser Cup for Junior Boys' PE - Riley Cooke

Governors' Shield for outstanding Sports Person (female) - Mary Rollo

Celine McKenna Cup for Speech and Drama - Cora Clerkin

Slemish Shield for ICT - Cristian Popartac

Bravehearts NI Cup - Jack Crilly

Joanne McKinley Cup (Year 8 girl special award) - Amelie Stewart

Rogers Shield (Year 8 boy special award) - Alan Polec

Stewart Shield of Merit for Contribution to School Life - Niamh Graham

Michael MacCrory Memorial Cup for GCSE Achievement - Nadia Dobrzanska

Liam Raven Cup (Vocational Education Programme) - Charle Cusi

Trade Moulding Cup for A Level Art and Design - Laura Popek

O'Neill's Cup for A Level Health and Social Care - Kinga Gawlik

c21 Theatre Company Cup for A Level Performing Arts - Cadhla Crawford and Robert Jakimowicz-Bajda

Monsignor Delargy Award for A Level Religious Studies - Cadhla Crawford

McMullan Cup for A Level Achievement - Erin Carnevale

Erinmae Mitchell, winner of the Aidan Walsh Cup for achievement in BTEC Sport, with Aidan’s parents, Michael and Maria Walsh

Aisel Mathew, winner of the Cormac O'Loan Globe for Environmental Awareness, with Mr O'Loan