Excellence recognised at Finn Valley College Annual Prizegiving 2026

Finn Valley College celebrated student success, leadership and community spirit at its annual Prize Giving Ceremony, honouring achievements across academics, sport, performing arts, wellbeing and student leadership.

All awards were framed by Donegal ETB’s five core values: Excellence in Education, Care, Equality, Community, and Respect. Students honoured on the day reflected these principles in their daily contributions to school life.

The ceremony was attended by students, staff and invited guests, and was opened by Principal Mr Séan McFadden, who welcomed the guest of honour Mr Paul Hannigan. Mr Paul Hannigan is the Head of College at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Donegal. He encouraged students to continue believing in themselves and striving for success. MC for the ceremony was Ms Aisling McKean.

Mr McFadden praised students for their dedication, resilience, and contribution to school life throughout the year. He paid heartfelt tribute to student Josh Morrow, whose recent passing has deeply affected the school community. Mr McFadden praised the kindness and solidarity shown by students and staff during a difficult time.

He concluded his speech with this quote: "Success is not about where you start, but how far you're willing to go. Keep going. Keep believing in yourselves. Never forget that you are capable, you are worthy, and you are the future”.

A large number of students received Excellence in Education awards across a variety of subjects. Academic winners included Katie Dolan (Junior Business), Cori Gregg (Senior Business), Sophie Thomas (Senior Accounting and Senior Mathematics), Valentyna Yavniuk (Junior Science and Junior English), Iryna Shutak (Senior Biology, Senior Art, Senior History and Construction Studies), Harry Lafferty (Junior Geography), David Franczak (Junior Gaeilge), Oisin Foy (Senior Engineering) and Jay Thompson (Senior English).

Leadership and equality awards recognised the important contribution made by members of the Student Council, class leaders, senior prefects and mentors. Brooke Stewart and Cameron Porter were named Head Girl and Head Boy, while Kara O’Neill and Daithí Mangan were appointed Deputy Head Girl and Deputy Head Boy.

The school’s Wellbeing Team was commended for its work promoting positive mental health and organising initiatives, including the Cycle Against Suicide programme and the achievement of Amber Flag status. A major highlight of the afternoon was the unveiling of the school’s new “Elephant in the Room” sculpture, created in partnership with the Elephant in the Room Movement and the Kyne Foundation to encourage open conversations around mental health. Designs by students Anna Matviienko, Mia Olahova Brennan and Oisin McAteer formed the basis of the artwork.

Sporting achievement featured strongly throughout the ceremony. Sports awards went to Emerald Airoboyi and Anna Matviienko (Minor Female Sportspersons of the Year), Eoghan McNamee (Minor Male Sportsperson), Amy Sweeney (Junior Female Sportsperson), Noah Fairman McElwaine (Junior Male Sportsperson), Ciara O’Neill (Senior Female Sportsperson) and Tyler Doherty (Senior Male Sportsperson).

The school also celebrated the success of its first and second year girls’ basketball team following a title-winning performance in Letterkenny.

Performing arts awards were presented to Erin Alexander and Becky Doherty following the success of the school’s first full-scale musical production, All Shook Up, staged at the Balor Theatre.

Students were also recognised for achievements in debating, robotics, environmental work and community programmes. The Junior Debate Team won the ETB Rose Bowl Competition, while the VEX Robotics team earned praise for representing the school at regional finals and mentoring primary school pupils.

Several prestigious individual honours were presented during the afternoon. Ciara Moss won the Aidan Doherty Perpetual Poetry Award for her poem The Turtle, while Zahra Rezaee received recognition for placing second nationally in the CareersPortal National Career Skills Competition.

Attendance awards were presented to students who achieved full attendance throughout the school year, including Kehinde Adeleke, Taiwo Adeleke, Hilda Marie Bradley, Brógán Mangan, Charlie Davey, Dylan Doherty, Zahra Rezaee and Daithí Mangan.

The Spirit of Finn Valley College Award, voted for by teachers, was presented to Daithí Mangan in recognition of his positivity, leadership and contribution to school life.

Junior Students of the Year awards were presented to David Franczak and Aoife Cannon. Senior Students of the Year honours went to Brooke Stewart and Daithí Mangan for their outstanding leadership, commitment and service to the school community.

The ceremony concluded with performances from the school choir with the school anthem and warm congratulations to all award recipients for helping make the 2025/26 school year a memorable success.