GRADUATION CEREMONY IN SALLYNOGGIN COLLEGE

Students and staff from Sallynoggin College of Further Education were out in force on September 11th, for the annual College graduation ceremony, which was held in Fitzpatrick's Castle Hotel, Killiney. Awards were made in the areas of Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy, Fitness & Leisure, Childcare Studies, Childcare Management, Travel & Tourism, Fashion Industry Practice, Social Studies, Youthwork, Computerised Office Skills, Executive Assistant (PA), Professional Floristry, Personal Training & Sports Therapy, and presented by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Mr. Barry Andrews, T.D. Students of Art & Design, Fashion, Photography and Dance have already graduated in a separate ceremony earlier this year.

Sallynoggin College is one of three Colleges of Further Education run by Dun Laoghaire VEC. The College offers a diverse range of courses for Post Leaving Certificate and mature students. Courses are of one or two years duration, and have strong links with industry and the professions.

In addition to course certification, a number of additional awards were made on the day. Special awards were presented to the Student of the Year in each course, as well as awards for Rugby Player and Male and Female Footballer of the Year.

This year for the first time, the College launched the Sallynoggin College Childcare Scholarship, which was awarded to Melissa Murray by Minister Andrews. This unique scholarship, awarded to a student progressing from Level 5 Childcare Studies to Level 6 Childcare Management, has been developed in partnership with The Willows, Dun Laoghaire VEC Childcare Centre, to offer practical and professional support to the recipient.

Minister Andrews addressed the graduates, their families and friends, and College staff, and spoke highly of the College and the level of awards achieved. FETAC, the Further Education and Training Awards Council, was also represented, and graduates were reminded that this is only the beginning, as they continue along the path of lifelong learning. It was pointed out that not alone do FETAC awards qualify the learner for direct entry into employment, but can also carry up to 400 CAO points for entry into 3rd level Colleges. For example, two of this year's Childcare Management graduates have progressed directly into the second year of the B.A. Hons. in Early Childhood Education in DIT, based on their achievements over the 2 years in Sallynoggin College.

Parents, friends and relatives of the graduates attended the ceremony in Fitzpatrick's Castle Hotel to acknowledge and support this prestigious event. Gowns were worn, caps thrown, cameras snapped and the audience applauded another successful Sallynoggin College year!