On Friday, 16th May 2025, the Mount Sackville school community gathered to celebrate the achievements and incredible journey of the Class of 2025. The day was filled with memorable moments, heartfelt speeches, and cherished traditions as students, families, and staff came together to mark this milestone.
The day began with the traditional graduation photo in the Chapel, capturing the graduating class as a group one final time. This was followed by the Tree Planting Ceremony along the walkway by the grit pitch, symbolizing the roots that students have laid during their time at Mount Sackville.
As the Graduation Ceremony started the Tutors took the roll call for the last time. The 6th years students walked down the aisle to receive congratulations from the Principal, Mrs Cuddihy-Higgins, Deputy Principal msMcGlinn and their Dean, Ms Simmons. As they received their script and graduation gift - a beautiful bracelet designed specially for this occasssion, they took their seats on the stage to rightfully be in the centre of attention.
The Princiapl addressed the whole school community with words full of praise for the Class of 2025 who navigated challenges, embraced opportunities, and grown into extraordinary individuals who are ready to take on the world. As the graduates prepared to embark on the next chapter of their lives, we were all invited to take a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences they had shared— friendships, laughter, tears, and all valuable lessons learned along the way.
This day was also an opportunity to honour the memory of their dear classmate, Charlotte, who passed away in December. Charlotte’s vibrant spirit and her ability to bring joy to those around her will always be remembered. Though she is no longer with us, we know that she is safe in the arms of God, her spirit lives on in our hearts and in the values of love, community, and faith that she embodied.
Mrs Cuddihy-Higgins stressed her unwavering faith in the graduates: "You have the power to create change, champion compassion, and embody the kindness our world so desperately needs" and urged them to follow new Pope Leo's guidance and "be peacemakers in a world torn by conflict and division". She expressed deep gratitude to the incredible staff of Mount Sackville whose unwavering commitment to nurturing each student’s growth and creating an environment of excellence has empowered these young minds to reach for their dreams.
As she concluded, she encouraged the graduates to stand firm in their faith, remain hopeful, and always act with love. She stressed how incerdibly proud she was of the Class of 2025 and prayed they embrace this empowering journey ahead with open hearts and minds.
Aoibhinn McCooey, our 2025 Valedictorian delivered a heartfelt, humorous, and moving speech capturing the spirit and journey of the year group. From the infamous first-year VS Ware photos to the challenges of lockdown learning, competitive Christmas door contests, and the unforgettable TY ski trip, the speech was filled with shared memories and milestones. Special tribute was paid to the beloved classmate Charlotte, whose memory was honoured through the ‘Charlotte Byrne Memorial Cup’ hockey match. The speech celebrated the resilience, friendship, and growth of the class, ending with gratitude to teachers, parents, and mentors who helped shape their story. As the class embarks on new adventures, they carry with them a legacy of laughter, love, and lifelong bonds.
Ms Simmons shared her traditional and inspiring words of wisdom making all the graduates realize how much they will miss the weekly assemblies and gentle guidance through the quotes.
The 6th year students' representatives: Emma Gunn, Kate Mulcahy, Katie Lyons and Emily Winsor took to the stage to thank parents, guardians, teachers, staff members, students and fellow classmates. They acknowledged their appreciation for the continuous help and support from all members of the Mount Sackville community in the past 6 years. The encouragement they received helped them to delvelop into the bright, determined young women they are today.
All school community was eagerly anticipating this year's choice of Graduation Song performed by the whole year group and practiced with a careful oversight of the Director of Music, Ms Judith Gannon.
All my life.
Is changing everyday.
In every possible way.
As the first tunes were played we all gasped for thsii incredible rendition of Dreams by The Cranberries
And all my dreams
It´s never quite as it seems
Because you´re a dream to me
The Graduation Mass in the Chapel celebrated by Brother Richard offered a quiet and reflective moment to give thanks and celebrate the spirit of the Mount Sackville community. The Mass opened with the Hymn: All the Ends of the Earth. Brother Richard's words offered wisdom, gratitude and blessings for the journey ahead.
The liturgy was made even more meaningful through the participation of students and families - readers: Caoimhe O’Connor and Maebh Caffrey, soloists: Nicole Blasco, Chloe Kearney, Sienna Odgers and Grace Greighan. Prayers of the faithful were read beautifully by Alison Hiney, Sophie Quinn, Ruth Gormley, Natasha Targosz, Éamha Ledwith, and Mrs. Maeve Delaney (Parent). Offertory gifts were presented by Niamh Cuggy, Mischa Giblin, Isabelle Guilmartin, Aoibheann Grogan, Sadhbh Kelly, Mia Hennessy, and Sophia McCormick. A thoughtful reflection was shared by Alex Healy, adding a personal and contemplative note to the service.
The Mass featured music prepared and led by Judith Gannon and Adam Puszczewicz, with performances by student soloists that uplifted and united the congregation. The Chapel was filled with voices, music, and quiet reverence as the community gave thanks and sought blessings for the future.
Huge gratitude to Parents Association for hosting the drinks reception. We could not have asked for a better weather to start the non-official celebrations.
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This beautiful day concluded with a festive Graduation Dinner in the Gym, where students, staff, and families gathered to share a delicious meal, captivating stories and haearty laugther as they looked ahead to the future.