Loreto’s ‘Keyzy’ team praised at world level

(Above) The team from Loreto College. Teacher Robert Masterson with, from left, Ciara Mangan-Lynch, Niamh Dolan, Kara Mulcahy, Grace O’Sullivan and Meabh Killalea.

Loreto College Mullingar TY students Meabh Killalea, Kara Mulcahy, Ciara Mangan Lynch, Niamh Dolan and Grace O’Sullivan have received an ‘Official Recognition of Excellence’ for their participation in the LUMA StarT competition in Finland.

The students submitted their project 3-D printing project ‘Keyzy’, a key aid to help those suffering from tremors, in which they ranked in the top 25 out of 600 projects in the world. They were the only entry from Ireland to qualify.

Robert Masterson, the team’s teacher at Loreto College, said: “This competition was a wonderful opportunity for our students to realise the benefits of STEM and 3-D printing while promoting empowerment and creativity. It also exposed the girls to STEM possibilities outside of Ireland, showing them the transferable nature of their skills along with possible future career paths.

“This project required imagination, empathy and teamwork. The girls were delighted to be able to use their recently learned technical skills from their participation in the ‘Shaping Your Future’ programme with IMR and I-Form earlier this year. Our students worked so hard throughout the process.

“I’m delighted to see their efforts recognised at a world class level with this achievement.”

In recognition of their achievement the school and students will receive a certificate. The students photo will also be featured at the LUMA StarT awards ceremony in Finland on June 4, which is taking place online this year due to Covid-19.

The whole school community would like to commend the girls for their dedication to their project, and are so proud of all that they have achieved this year.