Roscommon’s world Junk Kouture champions celebrated

The community of Elphin gathered together recently to celebrate the achievements of its Junk Kouture heroes.

Fifth Year students at Elphin Community College Mary McNulty, Vanessa Kielty and Martha Nugent won the Microsoft STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) award for their ‘STEMinist’ creation at the Junk Kouture World Final in Monaco in February.

At a celebratory event in the school parents, grandparents, students, teachers, councillors, council officials, local election candidates and other guests were welcomed.

Deputy Principal Paul Noone shared a short video, which he prepared about the journey the “wonderful STEMinist” group have been on since September of Transition Year.

The video explained the process of creating the dress from a range of material including rusted corrugated iron, a copper water cylinder, old electrical wiring, nuts and bolts, disused landscape netting, tool mats, plastic and a dismantled grandfather clock.

Mr Noone described the national finals in Dublin as a “fantastic event”.

“There’s no question that the students at the school had the loudest support that night,” he said.

Principal Siobhan Cullen thanked the students and their “wonderful” teacher Susan Prendergast. Ms Cullen highlighted the school’s rich legacy of involvement in the Junk Kouture competition, with successes in 2015 and 2018.

“The one common dominator in all of it is Ms Prendergast,” Ms Cullen said to a round of applause. “She has consistently mentored and coached our students. I think we can all agree that our art department in Elphin Community College continues to punch above its weight not only nationally but now internationally.” Ms Prendergast was praised for her “meticulous eye and attention to detail coupled with her overwhelming dedication” to her students, ensuring a third round of applause for the teacher.

Ms Cullen thanked parents and families for their “unwavering support, dedication and commitment to the school”, with each family getting a round of applause. Mr Noone was also thanked for his “tireless work behind the scenes”.

The Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board was thanked as was the board of management and the parents’ association. The support from the local media was also acknowledged.

“To the staff of our school thank you for your support and patience as the majesty of STEMinist was unveiled little by little,” said the principal..

Ms Cullen jokingly recalled a day when an entire class room was taken up “because the Junk Kouture gown was literally in pieces all over every desk in the classroom”.

“Nestled in the heart of rural Roscommon our school fosters community values. Our girls help bring our community together through their work and there are numerous businesses around Elphin that have contributed to our success,” said Ms Cullen. “Our community in Roscommon truly rallied around these girls.” Ms Cullen thanked Councillor Valerie Byrne for her support, often behind the scenes, and the independent councillor received a round of applause in appreciation.

“We think today of Valerie’s late husband Gene and his many years of dedicated work at this school,” said Ms Cullen. She thanked Elphin Fire Service for their guard of honour during the homecoming ceremony. Senator Eugene Murphy was also thanked for his support.

“Elphin Community College is a place where everyone belongs and our students are at the heartbeat of our school,” said the principal.

Leas Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr John Cummins said that the STEMinist design was the “deserved winner”, describing it as an “exceptional piece of art”. The team’s achievement was not only an honour for themselves and the school, he said, it would also encourage more young women to become involved in STEM projects.

He joked that the students could also “invent a few suits of armour” for candidates going for election in June.

Ms Prendergast told the three students, “everybody here is so proud of you. It’s been a fantastic journey,” she said. “Not only will it give you memories for a lifetime, but it will give you a sense of achievement. Thank you for giving me the memory of a lifetime as well.” She also praised the parents and families for their support, and presentations were made to the families in recognition of this support.

Addressing the event, Martha Nugent thanked everyone for attending, saying the trio felt so blessed to have had such support.

“You have played a huge role in our journey,” she said. “We are beyond grateful.” Vanessa Kielty also thanked the school community, saying attending the finals was a “once in a lifetime experience”.

“But it cannot come close to how amazing Dublin was and that was down to how amazing all the support was.” Mary McNulty said that that the STEMinist team had all grown as people over their experience.

“None of us would have been able to get as far as we did without each other’s hard work and support.” The students also thanked Ms Cullen, Mr Noone and “one in a million” Ms Prendergast, and a “huge thanks to” Cllr Byrne. 

They also thanked fellow student Jasmine Sherin, who they described as probably their biggest fan.

Senator Murphy was also thanked for arranging a visit to Leinster House and his kind words in the Seanad.

Senator Murphy said that the success was a wonderful story. “This is a tremendous occasion,” he said. “It is fantastic for your school, and your county. You have gone on the world stage and achieved something magnificent.” Cllr Byrne recalled how far the school had progressed over the years, where once students had to use the two school sites in the town.

“When you have a community behind you, it’s just amazing what you can achieve. There’s no stopping you,” she said. “A small school in County Roscommon bringing home a world trophy.” She asked that the audience give the three students a standing ovation. She also praised Ms Cullen, Mr Noone and Ms Prendergast. Tomás Mac Pháidín of the GRETB also praised the school and its staff.