Rotary Youth Leadership success

Now in its fourth year, the protocol is well understood by both senior schools in Ballycastle and as a result the selection process has been made very straightforward for Rotary members.

The co-operation of tutors, Miss Rosemary Black (BHS) and Mrs Elaine McCallum (CPC) must surely be attributable to this ever improving efficiency. New Generations Chair, Malcolm Rankin, is delighted with this year’s response and is keen to encourage further school participation in Rotary Youth competitions over the coming months.

Our 2014 finalists are Ellen Shirley, Dominika Dudyn^ska (both Ballycastle High School) and Conleth Burns (Cross and Passion College). All three students gave a very good account of themselves, demonstrating leadership qualities, varied extra-curricular activities and a sound knowledge of Europe and Rotary. (The latter being important given that the prize involves a Rotary sponsored trip to the European Parliment!)

Despite a general consensus that co-operation is better than competition, it is somewhat ironic that a winner was eventually chosen! Step forward Conleth Burns, who will now represent the Club in the regional finals to be held in late November.

Having tasted success last year, Ballycastle members are, understandably, keen for the Club to be involved at the highest level of the Leadership programme. We are confident that our candidate has the credentials to further both his and our interest in the award scheme.

Thanks to judges, Jim Boylan, Angela Bonnar, Brian Jamieson and Malcolm Rankin, who also co-ordinated the process. Once again we are indebted to the support offered by both schools and wish all entrants well in their future studies.