Emily McGill has a bright future ahead with this prestigious €20,000 scholarship.

Abbey Vocational School student Emily McGill has been awarded a Naughton Foundation Scholarship worth €20,000 towards her third level studies in Applied Physics at Dublin City University (DCU).

Abbey VS has also received an award of €1,000 towards its science facilities as an appreciation of their assistance.

The Naughton Scholarships are a scheme of scholarships to promote the study of engineering, science and technology at third level by students in Ireland.

Emily McGill

Abbey Vocational School Principal, Geraldine Diver, is absolutely delighted with Emily’s success; “We are delighted at the Abbey Vocational School to hear of Emily’s success in being awarded this prestigious scholarship. Emily is extremely deserving of this scholarship and I wish her every success in the very bright future I know that she has ahead.

“I would like to acknowledge all of our staff here in the school for all of the support given to Emily and indeed all of our students during their time here.

“This programme seeks to connect exceptional students at undergraduate, masters and postgraduate level with leading faculty in those fields, stimulating collaborative research among the participating students and faculty and build stronger connections between the host institutions and countries.

“It is an excellent opportunity for Emily and I know we will hear more of this marvellous young lady in the future!”

The Abbey Vocational School is one of fifteen post-primary schools in the county under the direction of Dr Martin Gormley, Donegal ETB Director of Schools.

Speaking after hearing the announcement, Dr Gormley paid tribute to Emily and the school staff, “I would like to congratulate Emily and her family on receiving this prestigious scholarship. It is testament to the hard work and dedication of Emily, assisted and supported by the staff and management of the Abbey Vocational School.

“It is also further evidence of the exceptional standards of Teaching and Learning being promoted across Donegal ETB’s schools, colleges and centres. On behalf of Donegal ETB, I wish Emily every success in her chosen field of study, Applied Physics.”

The Naughton Foundation was established by Martin and Carmel Naughton in 1994. It is a private family foundation and its goal is to support worthwhile causes in the arts and education.

In 2008 they created the scholarship programme to increase their support for Leaving Certificate students who would like to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at third level in Ireland.

Emily will receive her scholarship and medal at a ceremony in Trinity Biomedical Science Institute, Trinity College Dublin on 23 September.