Alice is A1

A Mullingar student who achieved eight H1s in her Leaving Cert said that she got a pleasant surprise when she opened her results on Friday morning.

Alice McDonnell, the daughter of Ray and Petrina McDonnell from Petitswood, was thrilled to join the exclusive subset of Leaving Cert students who achieve the top grade in every subject.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, Loreto College student Alice said that while she had an idea that she had performed well, she did not expect to ace every exam.

“I knew I did my best, but I was very surprised and happy when I got my results,” she said.

An all-rounder, Alice got top marks in Irish, English, Spanish, biology, chemistry, maths, business and music. She believes that trying to keep some time for her non-school interests helped her cope as exam pressure started to mount.

“It was hard at times but I tried to keep a balance. I am an Irish dancer and play music.

“I also love to swim. I tried to make time for them and it motivated me to get my homework and study done. Balance is definitely important.”

Alice is planning on studying primary school teaching in Maynooth University and is looking forward to starting the next chapter in her education. She has wanted to be primary school teacher since she was a little girl, she says.

“I always thought that I wanted to do teaching. I have been so inspired by my teachers throughout school. I had different ideas about what I’d like to do over the years, but I always came back to teaching.”

Alice also says that she wouldn’t have been able to perform as well in her exams if it wasn’t for the support she received from her parents, Petrina and Ray.

“They kept me going and always had fun things to do at the weekend when I finished studying.

“I also couldn’t have done it without my teachers over the last six years in Loreto College. My teachers in Curraghmore National School and even pre-school were also so inspiring. I have loved learning right from an early age and it’s thanks to them.”