Double win for Meath girls at National Student Awards

Fiona Gryson, a 16 year-old student at Ashbourne Community School, was named 'Senior Academic Student of the Year 2009" at the Bank of Ireland National Student Awards. Meath celebrations heightened when 15 year-old Oldcastle girl, Rhianna Ryan Ives, from Eureka Secondary School in Kells, was also called to the stage to accept 'Junior Art Student of the Year 2009". This national awards scheme for second level students recognises exemplary performance in six unique categories. Fiona and Rhianna were presented with their awards and prizes of €1,500 plus €3,000 for each of their schools at a gala ceremony on Friday 8th May. The judges were particularly impressed by Fiona"s exceptional capabilities, not only in academic terms, but also in extra-curricular endeavours. Fiona, from Tara, has competed in the finals of the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, is a keen writer and a published short story writer. She is also involved in a peer education programme which seeks to educate young people about the effects of substance abuse. She intends to travel and hopes to one day develop a wildlife sanctuary. Rhianna, from Oldcastle, has been successful in numerous art competitions and is currently studying for her Junior Certificate. The judges were impressed by her sophisticated and competent use of imagery, coupled with incredible attention to detail. Her work demonstrates outstanding ability, versatility with different media and a keen imagination, according to the judges. There was no doubt in their minds that she will achieve her dream of working in her own art studio in the next few years and honing her creative skills for many years to come. The Bank of Ireland National Student Awards provides a prize fund of over €60,000. It is a unique scheme allowing secondary schools throughout the country honour their own local heroes in art, sport, entrepreneurial spirit, academic achievement, community spirit and team initiatives. Each student is initially nominated by their school and can then progress through regional heats to the national finals where they are presented with their award at a gala event.