International Essay Competition Finalist

Congratulations to Year 13 pupil Cara Fitzpatrick from Glenlola Collegiate School.

Cara, has been shortlisted in an international essay competition run by the John Locke Institute at Oxford.

The John Locke Institute exists for the benefit of exceptional students. These are the students who have the most to gain from an intensive close engagement with the Institute’s world-class academics. Its blend of innovative and traditional learning techniques is designed to help elite students unleash their potential, and the company of other capable, motivated students creates a mutually-reinforcing community of aspiration and achievement.

They received 2,740 entries from more than 80 countries.

Cara’s essay addressed the question, “Can good art make one a better person?” which centred upon the life of Michael Stone, a loyalist killer, infamously known for the Milltown murders. Focusing on his time in prison, Cara explored how he turned to art as a form of therapy and escapism.

Cara will travel to Oxford College later this year to attend the prize ceremony.

Commenting on this outstanding achievement, Headmaster Eric Thompson said,

“We are delighted that Cara has achieved recognition at this level for her mature and thoughtful essay. We wish her success in the final awards ceremony.”