Daria Kolomiychuk, a former student of Errigal College in Letterkenny, has made history as the only recipient from County Donegal to be awarded the prestigious Naughton Foundation Scholarship this year.
The scholarship, worth €24,000, was presented at a ceremony on Saturday October 12th in Trinity College, Dublin, by founding patrons Dr. Martin Naughton and his wife Carmel, joined by An Taoiseach Simon Harris.
The award recognises academic and innovative excellence in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Pictured above (L-R): Mr. Danny McFadden (Principal of Errigal College), Mr. Martin Naughton, Mrs. Carmel Naughton, Ms. Daria Kolomiychuk (Class of 2024), Mr. Simon Harris (Taoiseach)
Daria, who moved to Ireland from Ukraine just a few years ago, has accepted a place at University College Dublin, where she is pursuing a degree in Biomedical Health & Life Sciences.
Her remarkable achievement places her among 37 of Ireland’s top students, all of whom were awarded third-level scholarships to support their studies in STEM disciplines.
Errigal College’s Principal, Mr. Danny McFadden, expressed his immense pride in Daria’s success.
He said “Daria’s accomplishment is a testament not only to her dedication and hard work but also to the supportive and innovative learning environment that Errigal College strives to provide.
“We are committed to excellence in education and to encouraging our students to pursue careers in STEM fields. This award highlights the impact of our continued efforts to promote STEM subjects and opportunities for all.”
The Naughton Foundation Scholarship is a significant investment in the future of Irish students, with over €6 million awarded to more than 450 exceptional scholars since its establishment in 2008.
Each scholarship is worth €6,000 per academic year for the duration of a student’s undergraduate degree. One student from each participating county is guaranteed to receive the scholarship, with some counties seeing more than one recipient.
In addition, Daria’s former school, Errigal College, received a prize of €1,000 to enhance its science facilities in recognition of the school’s role in fostering academic excellence.
Daria’s scholarship success highlights Errigal College’s ongoing commitment to fostering a passion for STEM subjects among its students. The school continues to encourage young women to pursue studies and careers in traditionally male-dominated fields like engineering and technology, contributing to a more diverse and inclusive future workforce in Ireland.
As Daria embarks on her next chapter at UCD, her journey emphasises the vital role Errigal College plays in providing a strong educational foundation and fostering a commitment to academic excellence. Her success showcases the opportunities that arise when students are nurtured in an environment dedicated to supporting them to achieve their educational potential.
