Derry Credit Union - Courage Award winner

Danielle Glackin: Winner

Fun-loving Danielle is a first-year pupil of St Mary’s College and a past pupil of Rosemount Primary and Nursery School. Danielle’s infectious smile and mischievous personality hides a multitude of grief, sadness, and hardship over the last number of years.

She has overcome great adversity at a young age and has grown into a remarkable young woman who is a great ambassador for not only her school but her family and for all children who experience loss in their lives.

Adopted by loving parents when she was four years old, Danielle’s adopted mother subsequently died. These experience would be difficult for anyone but with the support of her father and primary school, Danielle showed maturity and understanding. As testament to her strength and courage, Danielle not only sang a solo in the chapel at her mother’s funeral but also took to the altar to read the reflection.

Danielle’s nominator and former teacher Mrs Meenan writes, ‘Danielle’s kind, caring and nurturing personality permeates everything she does.’ This is evidenced in the loyalty she has shown to her best friend throughout primary school who is a child with a physical disability, learning and communication needs.

Mrs Meenan writes, ‘It takes a special type of person to remain dedicated to a friend who is non-verbal, and Danielle is certainly one of those special young people.’

When Danielle moved to St Mary’s secondary school, Mrs Meenan worried that she would be lost without her best friend at Rosemount, however, it came as no surprise to her when Danielle visited Rosemount in the first week of September and announced that she had made a new “best friend” in another child with a physical disability, again testament to the special personality and attributes that Danielle possesses.

Mrs Meenan concludes, ‘I have no doubt that Danielle will continue to use her range of talents, attributes, and life experiences to mould her into a self-assured young woman. She is living proof of overcoming a range of adversities and having courage at such a young age.’

Katie Gallagher and Lily Nicell: Winners

Although they were nominated individually by St Cecilia’s teacher Ms McGrory, our panel decided to make friends and classmates Katie Gallagher and Lily Nicell joint finalists.

Both Year 8 pupils have bilateral sensorineural permanent hearing loss and use Oticon spirit hearing aids which connect to a Roger touchscreen radio aid system. Katie has additional health issues and Lily also relies on lip reading to help her understand.

The transition into secondary school is a daunting experience for all pupils and especially for Katie and Lily who have had to navigate a new large school while taking responsibility in caring for and charging their touchscreen radio aids and supporting staff with their use.

Together they have adapted to the significant challenges of transitioning to secondary school with courage and resilience. They have also taken the opportunity to educate their peers on the significance of having a hearing impairment and they engage in a range of different workshops that help to convey the difficulties they face daily.

Ms McGrory writes, ‘They really are an inspiration to their peers. Their courage and resilience are palpable to all.’

Eve Chambers: Runner-up

Eve is a remarkable young woman. She was nominated by teacher Ms McGrory for being an inspirational student who has this year bravely faced the challenges of navigating a new school environment while managing her medical issues. Eve suffers from severe egg, nut and other allergies and is determined not to let them prevent her from experiencing any aspects of school life. She managed her transition to secondary school with grace and poise and educates both pupils and staff about her condition and care plan.

Despite her young age, Eve is resilient and positive. She is aware and responsible of the possible dangers/ situations when her allergies could be an issue.

She is mature in relation to the management of her environment and has worked with subjects such as HE and Science in relation to what tasks and materials she can come in contact with. Navigating the canteen on a daily basis, Eve has managed to make good choices and on the rare occasion she has a reaction, Eve is mature in how she implements her care plan.

Eve has bravely educated her peers and staff on how to deal with an emergency and how to administer her medication and use her epi pen. In a short time, she has become a model St Cecilia’s pupil. Eve demonstrates courage and calmness when other students could be overwhelmed. Ms McGrory writes, ‘She is an excellent role model and an inspiration to her peers.’

Leon Toland: Runner-up

Year 12 Student in St Columb’ College Leon was nominated by teacher Michael McLaughlin. Leon has been coaching the Oxford Bulls, a team dedicated to boys and girls with Down Syndrome, for the past 14 months. As such, Leon gives up his time in between his studies to coach the team. He speaks fondly about his experiences, particularly taking the team to the Foyle Cup this Year and accompanying the team to many football events over the past year.

Mr McLaughlin nominated Leon for a Courage Award because he lost his mother in tragic circumstances. A big family get-together was planned to celebrate his brother’s impending marriage.

Family members travelled to Derry from all corners of the globe, including Australia and America, As the youngest in the family, Leon often gave up social time with his friends to stay at home with his mum who was diabetic. However, Leon joined the rest of the family on a night out. But he returned home early to find his mum collapsed on the ground. Leon called emergency services but despite Leon’s best attempts to resuscitate her, his mum passed away.

The last six months have been very difficult on Leon for not only has he had to come to terms with his mum’s death, he has also had to work through feelings of guilt for not having stayed at home with his mum that night.

Despite this, Mr McLaughlin writes that Leon still continues to achieve highly at school and has also remained devoted to his Oxford Bulls team. He wites, ‘I would like to nominate Leon for his courage when many would have given up.’