Great News for Mountains

I have just been delighted to write a reference for Paul Swail who has been appointed Youth Development Officer with Mountaineering Ireland. As well as being a Shimna OldScholar, Paul has led groups of our students at Ardnabannon and in their Duke of Edinburgh's Award expedition work. There's nobody better, and we are absolutely delighted to hear of this appointment. There will be payback Paul!

Training Successes

We are delighted to receive news of: Emma Cree's success in Children's Care, Learning and Development; Aaron Doherty's success in Customer Care; Chimene Hayes success in Conflict Handling. All of the students are continuing to further their training. Very well done all.

Darren Makes it Good

Darren McAnallen was in with the football club, looks great and is now doing an Access course with the University of Ulster. That's terrific, because he was always full of brains. Best of luck, Darren, and keep us in touch with what you do next.

Ria's for Nashville

Ria Maguire has been getting feedback and support from Nancy Griffiths through the Belfast/Nashville connection. Ria will be heading over to Nashville, and has a promise of recording with Nancy's producer. We always knew Ria's voice and songwriting were fantastic, and now everybody knows. Ria has also just completed a Masters degree, following her first class honours degree in Music from QUB. Talent and brains!

A Scholarship for Jonathan

We have just heard that Jonathan Houghton has been awarded a scholarship from the University of Ulster on the basis of his achievement in the first year of his degree. This is fantastic news, and the accolade is well deserved.

Paul and Happiness

It has been a pleasure to run into Paul Harper, who is still really happy working as a carer. He heads off into a nursing course in September, and plans to build up his academic qualifications at the same time. He is also really happy with his girlfriend of five years. It's just great when a person finds real satisfaction.

Recession Fighting

Really proud of Michael Mullan. Like so many people, the recession has cut off the flow of work, so he is back doing a great job in the Mourne Cafe. That way he stays in employment, builds up experience and a bit of money for his move to London to follow Jonathan Killen into working on the London Underground construction job. It takes real emotional stamina to do what has to be done while we all wait for an upturn. He's also a pleasure to meet as a waiter!