As one of 125 students across the island of Ireland to win a JP McManus scholarship, Darren will receive full academic financial support for the duration of his third level studies at university. The scholarships are valued at £5,500 per annum and continue for the duration of the undergraduate programme chosen by each scholarship winner.
He says winning the JP McManus Scholarship was his biggest achievement to day and he will work hard every day to prove he is a worthy winner.
“It is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am most appreciative to family and lecturers at Northern Regional College for all their encouragement and support.”
Karen Thompson, one of Darren’s Computing lecturers at Northern Regional College, said he was a very worthy recipient of the J P McManus Scholarship.
“We have watched Darren flourish during his time at the college. His knowledge has grown, he has developed as a learner and as a young man. His solid and accurate understanding of computing concepts has enabled him to gain the respect of this friends and peers and he could always be relied upon for advice and guidance.
“Darren is more than capable in his field of study and there is no limit to what he can achieve in the future. He has the solid foundations necessary to scaffold his knowledge further and accomplish his dreams.”
The youngest of three children, Darren attended the awards presentation ceremony in Limerick with his parents Joanne and Frederick and one of his lecturers, Jim Nelson.
Congratulating the recipients, Permanent Secretary at the Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland, Noel Lavery said: “Since 2009, 250 students from Northern Ireland have had the opportunity to benefit from the All Ireland Scholarships. These scholarships recognise the importance of higher education in changing lives and aim to ensure that high performing students are able to avail of the opportunity and continue their education. This aligns closely with the thinking behind the Northern Ireland Widening Participation Strategy, ‘Access to Success’ and the Department for the Economy is delighted to continue to support the Trustees and administer the scholarship in Northern Ireland. I would like to congratulate all of this year’s winners and wish them well as they begin their chosen undergraduate studies.”
Sponsored by JP McManus, the educational scheme is awarded to a minimum of two high-achieving students from each of the 32 counties.
Mr McManus said: “To our successful scholars I offer heartiest congratulations. Their hard work and commitment have been rewarded and they will no doubt build on their success and continue to strive for excellence in their ongoing studies and future careers. It was wonderful to be joined by students, distinguished guests, by parents, principals and friends from across Ireland today as we celebrated the success of the young men and women who were recognised for their outstanding academic achievements.”
The programme is administered by the Department of Education & Skills and the Department for the Economy with support from the Department of Education, Northern Ireland.
