LOCAL STUDENTS SHINE AT ONLINE ENTERPRISE AWARDS
“The future of enterprise in Louth is looking really strong” said Thomas McEvoy of Louth’s Local Enterprise Office after last week’s Student Enterprise Finals.
Over 900 students from 19 local secondary schools took part in this year’s Student Enterprise Programme. A collaboration between LEO Louth and local schools, the online programme was delivered by co-ordinators Fionnuala Rogers, Francis Verling and Colm Finegan. Students learned how to create a business idea and then start and grow their own business.
Having completed the Student Enterprise Programme, over 40 student businesses made it to the county final, competing for the chance to represent Louth at the National Finals later this year.
The online ceremony was hosted by Noel Davidson, with a special message of encouragement from Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council Cllr. Dolores Minogue.
The event also featured a special guest appearance by Davy Fitzgerald from Ireland’s Fittest Family and Davy’s Toughest Team.
Thomas continues “SZE Stories” from St Louis, Secondary School, Dundalk were named winners of this year’s award. The business is the brainchild of Sarah Dunne, Zara Woods and Eadaoin Drumgoole. SZE Stories specialises in books for children facing everyday issues. Their first book is for children who are being bullied and who are unsure what to do about it. These young entrepreneurs set up a website, sold their books online and in book stores in Louth, Meath and Monaghan. They were even included in the Late Late Toy Show last Christmas. They are not just superb entrepreneurs but they’ve also got great heart, donating half of their net profit to SOSAD and Women’s Aid.”
James Spain of De La Salle, Dundalk was named winner of the Intermediate category. His business, Seasonal Crafts, sells unique hand-carved seasonal decorations and crafts from recycled wood.
The winner of the Junior category is Lucy Fowley from Scoil Ui Mhuire, Dunleer. Her enterprise, Sweet designs, offers hand-made jewellery with beautiful pendants designed like gummy bears, butterfly’s incorporating birth stones and initials to give them their customised element.
The “My Entrepreneurial Journey” category was won by Mia McDermott with Reflex Design from St Louis Secondary School, Dundalk.
Thomas explains “All four winners will now go forward to represent Louth in the Student Enterprise Programme National Final on May 14th.”
Category winners included:
- Innovation Award: Blue Inc Games, St Olivers Community College, Drogheda.
- Social Media Award: Bake Me Happy, Ardee Community School.
- Adapting to Covid Award: Online Violin Lessons, Colaiste Ris, Dundalk.
- Sustainability Awards: Keep it Reel, Colaiste Ris, Dundalk.
- Social Entrepreneur: Bag Some Boots, St Marys College, Drogheda.
- Best Creative Business: Pebble Effect, St Marys College, Dundalk.
- Best Creative Video: Candy Cards, St Brigid’s, Dundalk.
Congratulations also to Ms Martina Farrell, winner of the Teachers Innovator Award. She guided two classes of TY students through the programme, had entries in all three categories this year, with the winner in Junior and runners up in both Intermediate and Senior categories. Winning this award is testament to her work and dedication.
Thomas concluded “We are so proud to deliver the Student Enterprise Programme through local schools every year. We do this with the support of all the dedicated teachers, Government, Enterprise Ireland and Louth County Council. We wish our 4 finalists the very best of luck as they represent Louth at the National Finals in May. Discover more by visiting www.StudentEnterprise.ie and follow the competition using #studententerprise on social media.”
Winners of the Louth Student Enterprise Awards 2021, Sarah Dunne, Zara Woods and Eadaoin Drumgoole of SZE Stories representing St. Louis Secondary School, Dundalk.
