A DRUMANESS teenager has been presented with a youth leadership award in Dublin. Conor McVarnock was part of a group of just 24 teenagers from all over the island of Ireland to be presented with Rotary Youth Leadership Development certificates, at the European Parliament’s offices in the city.
The competition, which is one of Rotary Ireland’s longest running youth projects, rewards young people with clear leadership potential, based on their extra-curricular activities. It is run in conjunction with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin. Conor, who is in Year 12 in St Colman’s High and Sixth Form College in Ballynahinch, received his certificate from Rotary Ireland District Governor Kenny Fisher and Patrick O’Riordan, Head of Public Affairs at the European Parliament’s office in Ireland. The 24 students took part in a week-long all expenses paid trip, which included visits to Belfast, Dublin and Strasbourg. In Belfast they received a private tour of City Hall and a tour of Stormont. At Parliament Buildings they met several politicians, including Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, and sat in the visitors’ gallery to watch MLAs discussing affordable childcare.
In Dublin they enjoyed presentations about the EU at the European Parliament Liaison Office, before being presented with their leadership certificates. They went on tours of the Seanad and Dáil, where they met several politicians, including Tánaiste Micheál Martin, the Minister for Education Norma Foley and Minister of State Jack Chambers. They then flew to Frankfurt for a three-day visit to Strasbourg. After enjoying a walking tour of the city on arrival, the following day was spent at the European Parliament, debating topical issues with other young Europeans at Euroscola, where students get to be MEP for a day.
They also visited the European Court of Human Rights. On the last day they enjoyed a well-earned shopping trip in Strasbourg city centre, before flying home. Conor, who was representing Comber Rotary Club, loves football and has a keen interest in politics. He is a member of the Drumaness and District Community Association and helps to set up discos and quiz nights. He said he thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful experiences offered during the trips to Belfast, Dublin and Strasbourg. “I gained confidence from meeting fellow students,” Conor said, “and on a practical level I learnt how to present myself at interview. “This will help me in the future when I’m applying for employment. “Being interested in politics, I really enjoyed meeting 23 other people from across Ireland, everyone was so friendly and kind. “I also loved going to different places such as the Dáil and sitting in the European Parliament as I never thought I would get to experience that. I have now!” Kenny Fisher, District Governor of Rotary Ireland, praised the students’ enthusiasm and willingness to engage with the programme. “I have to compliment Conor and all of this year’s winners on two counts,” he said. “Firstly, for the wide range of sporting, artistic and community-based activities they are involved in and secondly for the level of knowledge they displayed on a wide range of topics and the extremely high standard of their contributions throughout the week of this trip. “It was wonderful to watch this group work and socialise together and we hope the bonds they formed this week will endure into the future. “While they might have arrived as strangers, we know they left as friends, having enjoyed great experiences and a wonderful journey. “I would urge as many young people as possible from every part of the island to take part in next year’s competition” Mr Fisher added.
Patrick O’Riordan, from the European Parliament Office in Dublin, said: “As we approach the European elections in June, we can all learn from the enthusiasm, engagement, and active citizenship of this exceptional group of young leaders. “I look forward to seeing these very talented young men and women contributing to politics and society and improving lives in Ireland and Europe in the years to come.” The Rotary Youth Leadership Development Competition is open to 16 and 17-year-olds who are living on the island of Ireland. For more information go to www.rotary.ie