A former Ardscoil na Mara student has been commended for his outstanding commitment to personal development and contribution to society.
Mark Hartery represented Waterford at a Gaisce ceremony in Áras an Uachtaráin during the week where he received a Gold Award from President Micheal D Higgins.
The Gaisce Gold Award is the nation's highest recognition of someone's initiative, achievement, and voluntary contribution to society. It celebrates the innate talents and abilities of young people regardless of their circumstances.
Recipients will have achieved goals that they set for themselves across challenge areas such as personal skills, physical activity, community involvement, team adventure journey, and a residential project.
"Every single day, I am inspired by the courage, the energy, and the commitment of young people doing their Gaisce Award, and I am so thrilled we are getting to celebrate the breadth of their achievements, from tackling global challenges like biodiversity to local support for neighbours in need, young people are consistently pushing themselves for others," CEO of Gaisce, Yvonne McKenna said.
Eight others from across Ireland were also commended for their work. This comes after 40,000 young people aged between 14-25 pursued a Gasice award during the height of the pandemic between 2020 and 2021.
Participants are supported by President's Award Leaders (PALs) in 750 organisations across the country.
PALs provide mentorship on involvement in community, education, sport, disability, and justice. Many have received the Gaisce Award themselves.
This month The President's Award will launch 'Gaisce Gold Voices Community' which will encourage anyone who earned a Gold Award in the past 35 years to renew their commitment of promoting Gaisce values to young people.
To find out more about the Awards, see the Gaisce website.
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