The South East’s youngest leaders travelled to Wicklow on Monday last January 17th to compete in the Regional Final of the Rotary’s Youth Leadership Development Competition.
Following selections at the respective school and club stages of the competitions, the chosen representatives for the participating Rotary clubs were interviewed by a panel of judges, one of whom was selected to partake in a special trip to Dáil Éireann and Stormont in Belfast.
Gráinne Ní Ailín, representing her school, Meánscoil Gharman in Enniscorthy, had been selected to represent the Rotary Club of Wexford in the Regional Final, following an exceptionally strong Club Final at the end of November last.
Gráinne, who exemplifies the characteristics which the Youth Leadership competition seeks to recognise, once again impressed the judging panel and was selected as the overall winner of the Regional Final.
Speaking about her win, Gráinne said “I am very honoured to have been selected as the Regional Winner of the Rotary Youth Leadership Development Competition. I look forward to partaking in the upcoming trip and developing my leadership skills”
Karl Fitzpatrick, chair of New Generations Projects for the Rotary Club of Wexford stated that “Gráinne, through her extensive academic, sporting and voluntary activities, embodies the qualities which define leaders in our society; ambitious, progressive, inclusive and empathetic.”
Calodagh McCumiskey, President of the Rotary Club of Wexford stated “Gráinne is a fantastic ambassador for her family, school and community. The Rotary Club of Wexford is proud of her success and we are delighted that she has an opportunity to experience this once in a lifetime trip”.