The Drogheda Institute of Further Education (DIFE) held its annual Student of the Year Awards Ceremony on Friday, 28 November, celebrating the achievements and dedication of its 2025 graduates.
More than 60 learners were honoured at the event, with certificates and trophies presented by the Lord Mayor of Drogheda, Cllr Michelle Hall, across a wide range of courses.
Sadie Ward McDermott, Director of Further Education and Training at LMETB, congratulated the award recipients and praised DIFE’s ongoing work in meeting the needs of local employers. “DIFE is delivering its clear mandate to address the needs of employers in the community,” she said.
Keynote speakers included Thomas Byrne TD, Dáire Keogh, President of Dublin City University, and Lord Mayor Michelle Hall, who paid tribute to the graduates’ achievements and encouraged them to “keep excelling in what you are and in what you are doing.”
Amazon Data Centre Technician Graduates Recognised
A group of 19 graduates from the Amazon-supported Data Centre Technician programme were also honoured on the day. Awards were presented by Amazon representatives Morgan Cranley and John Kelly, including the overall Amazon Student of the Year award. Both Amazon and DIFE acknowledged the exceptional success and commitment shown by learners throughout the programme.
Pharmacy Technician Graduates
Pharmacy Technician students also received their Pearson-BTEC Diplomas, presented by Sheena Keirans of Drogheda Credit Union.
Overall Student of the Year: Felisia Scurry
The prestigious Oliver Tully Overall Student of the Year Award was presented to Felisia Scurry, a Pre-University Law with Criminology graduate.
Felisia completed two years in DIFE, achieving an extraordinary record of 19 Distinctions across all modules unmatched in the institute. A former hairdresser and business owner, she returned to education after the pandemic while balancing family responsibilities and community volunteering.
Felisia also played an active role in student life, mentoring classmates, supporting open days, and helping build a collaborative learning environment. Her professionalism during work placements strengthened DIFE’s links with local voluntary organisations.
Now studying Law at Trinity College Dublin, she has already been elected Class Representative.
Felisia also received a bursary award presented by Joe Thomas, partner at O’Reilly Thomas Solicitors.
Looking Ahead
DIFE Principal Davy McDonnell congratulated all graduates and wished the Class of 2025 every success in the future. Applications for full-time courses beginning September 2026 are now open at www.dife.ie
