St Catherine’s College makes history with first Soroptimist School Club in Ireland

St. Catherine’s College in Armagh has officially launched a Soroptimist School Club, making it the first Soroptimist School Club in Ireland.

The launch took place on the 6th of October, marking the culmination of a year of commitment, determination and perseverance by 19 girls who came together to establish the pioneering club.

Over the past year, the girls have worked through challenges, building a strong foundation based on friendship, mutual support and a shared commitment to making a positive difference in their school and wider community.

Through their involvement, the 19 founding members are demonstrating that young people can play an important role in their communities while developing the confidence and skills needed to become future leaders.

The Soroptimist School Club initiative also reflects the wider values of Soroptimism, including friendship, service, empowerment and creating opportunities for girls and women to reach their full potential.

President SI Portadown Club, Maureen Maguire, who attended the launch said: “This is a very proud moment for St. Catherine’s College and for Soroptimist International Portadown.

“These 19 girls have shown tremendous commitment over the past year. They have faced challenges, supported one another, taken on leadership responsibilities and, most importantly, looked beyond themselves to see where they can make a difference. To launch the first Soroptimist School Club in Northern Ireland and on the island of Ireland is a remarkable achievement, and we are incredibly proud of them.”

Year 14 pupil Miss Aoife Vallely, Chair of the School Club, who made the inaugural address at the launch event spoke about the group's action: “One of the acts of kindness we are proud of was the making of trauma teddies for local emergency services, demonstrating how compassion and practical action can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”

Principal Mrs Noeleen Tiffney said: “The story of St Catherine’s is, in so many ways, a story about the education, empowerment and advancement of girls and young women... So, in many ways, today’s affiliation feels less like the beginning of something completely new and more like the continuation of a conversation that began here in 1851... I look forward to seeing where our partnership takes us and to seeing the many doors that our girls will open in the years ahead.”