The John Paul II Awards were introduced in Derry in 2006, as an initiative to promote young people’s involvement in their Parish and Community. The Diocese of Waterford and Lismore, under the guidance of Bishop William Lee, introduced the Award as a Pilot Scheme in 2013-2014. Colaiste Dun Iascaigh, Cahir was one of the schools who participated with great enthusiasm. The John Paul II Awards quickly became known as JP2 among the students, local parish and community. Guided by Ms. Wade, the School Chaplain, the JP2 students began their tasks last September

At a ceremony in the pastoral centre in Waterford, Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, presented 30 Coláiste Dún Iascaigh students with medals for having worked within the community over the last 12 months. Students read at mass, they developed a reflective place in the Colaiste, they worked voluntarily at the Senior Citizen’s Party, they volunteered for St. Vincent De Paul, worked with the tidy towns committee and raised money for the National Council for the Blind and for the Irish Hospice Society.

As the students reflected on their experience, they all agreed that not only did they give a lot, they also gained a lot of confidence and strength for their endeavours.