Portlaoise College bid farewell to their 6th year class of 2025, in a touching graduation ceremony.

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Portlaoise College marked a significant milestone yesterday as the graduating class of 2025 gathered with family, staff, and friends to celebrate their final day as students.

Under the theme of “Memories,” the Under the theme of “Memories,” the school event was a poignant and heartfelt reflection on a journey defined by resilience, growth, and enduring friendships.

The hall was decorated expertly by Mr Hennessey and the senior Art students to reflect the theme with the quote 'The Years Flew By but the Memories Will Always Be Ours' emblazoned on the walls alongside quotes from staff and early childhood and present-day photos of the graduates.

The ceremony was emceed by Mr Noel Daly, who reflected on the unique journey of the students with a mix of humour and sincerity. “Today, we stand at the edge of something new,” he noted.

“But before we step forward, I want to take a moment to look back—not just to celebrate how far we've come, but to hold on to the memories that brought us here.”

His speech, marked by references to shared experiences and the COVID lockdowns, struck a chord with students and parents alike as he said: “We’ll remember the early mornings, the laughter in the hallways, the awkward moments and, the inside jokes"

Deputy Principal Ms Patricia Cullen delivered a poetic and reflective address that encapsulated the emotional journey of students whose school journey was marked by the uncertainty of Covid and who are now leaving as confident young adults.

She celebrated everything from the challenges of remote learning to the fun and bonding of Transition Year trips, emphasising the strength of the friendships formed along the way.

The student body was well represented in the speeches by Kayla Daly (Head Girl), Yeonjae Wee (Head Girl), and Nathan Dewing (Head Boy). Kayla urged her peers to embrace the independence ahead of them without forgetting their roots.

Yeonjae, reflecting on her move from Korea and her early struggles with English, spoke movingly about the support she found at Portlaoise College and her personal growth.

Nathan highlighted the profound impact of teachers and the school community, acknowledging the role they played in shaping the graduates both academically and personally.

The students themselves had a massive role to play in the night and the graduation committee's dedication was reflected in the night's success. 

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