Congratulations to the Leaving Certificate Class of 2025 on their graduation. We celebrated a final farewell with them at the Graduation Mass in St. Mel's Cathedral last Thursday night. The theme of their mass was 'Journey'. The staff at St. Mel's College are very proud to have been part of our boys' journey. We have watched them grow from the 12-13 year old children who began their secondary school journey with us only a few short years ago and transform into the fine young men that are departing us now to begin the next stage in their journey through life. We hope that we have taught them the knowledge, values, and skills that have shaped them and that they will use to navigate the highs and lows of life along the way. We wish them the best of luck in their upcoming Leaving Cert exams. Bishop Paul Connell, Chaplain Fr. Tony, Principal Malachy Flanagan, and Yearhead Michael Galvin all shared the same message with our 6th year students during the mass. That message was that although the leaving cert exams are important and should be prioritised for the next few weeks, ultimately, the results do not define you as a person. What does define you as a person is your character, honesty, humility, and integrity. We hope that our 6th years have acquired these core values throughout their 5-6 years with us. One of our students quoted our school motto 'Aemula Virtus' last night during his speech, which means 'Strive for excellence'. We hope that our 6th years continue live out this motto throughout their journey in whatever pathway they may choose. Well done to the Student of the Year Winner Jack Nertney, who was presented with the Mel Murtagh Cup by Mr. Gacquin. Well done to the other two Student of the Year nominees Eanna Madden and Gerard Keogh. Well done to the Fr. Manning Medal recipient Cormac Flynn, who was also presented with his medal on the night. Thank you to all of the students, their families, and friends for joining us in the crypt after the mass for a chat and some refreshments. Thank you to the St. Mel's College Parents Association for organising this and Reynolds Catering for providing the food.