Newtownabbey student awarded Rotary trip to Strasbourg
A Newtownabbey student has been selected as the zone winner of Rotary’s Youth Leadership/Development Competition.
Emma Papaconstantinou, who is a year 12 student at Belfast High School, was announced as the winner for zone 1 ( Belfast, Newtownabbey and North Down) in this year’s prestigious competition.
The competition which is one of Rotary Ireland’s longest running youth projects, rewards young people with clear leadership potential. It is run in conjunction with the EU Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin band Euroscola in Strasbourg.
Emma impressed the judges with her knowledge of of local and National issues as well as her articulate and fluent presentation.
Her success came after winning the final of the Newtownabbey Club’s local Youth Leadership/ Development competition. As a result of her win Emma will now enjoy an all expenses paid trip to Strasbourg, Belfast and Dublin in the coming months with fellow zone winners from all around the island of Ireland.
The President of Newtownabbey Rotary Club, Brenda Crotty, congratulated Emma on her wonderful achievement and praised all the students who had gotten through to the final and all those who had entered this year’s competition.
“The standard of presentation was excellent this year and great credit is due to all our finalists and indeed everyone who took part in earlier rounds. We hope everyone enjoyed the experience and benefited from taking part. The competition is continuing to go from strength to strength but of course this would not be possible without the invaluable support which teachers and parents give to students. Sincere thanks for that support," she said.
The Rotary Youth Leadership/Development Competition is open to all 16 and 17 year olds who are living on the island of Ireland. For more information go to: Rotary Youth Leadership Development Competition- Rotary in Ireland ( Rotary in Ireland ( Rotary RIBI .org)