St. Mary'sTransition Year, under the direction of Ms. Martin, has been involved with the President's Award since its inception in the mid-1980's.

The Award is the Irish equivalent of the Duke of Edinburgh Award and allows participants to develop leadership and personal skills as well as working in their communities and developping a new interest in sport.

Many of our students have achieved the Award over the years with large numbers receiving the Bronze as part of their Transition Year programme. A high percentage of these follow through to the Silver.

In the last few years, we have broken all our own records with the largest number ever receiving the Bronze. The following year most of these girls went on to achieve the Silver. In fact, the stage in Trinity College was too small to accommodate them!

The highpoint of our involvement with the President's Award came two years ago when Aideen Blake was presented with the Gold President Award by the President herself, Mrs. McAleese and the Duke of Edinburgh.

In recognition of over twenty years guiding students  to The President's Award, Ms Martin was also presented with a Gold Award.