Galway student Stephanie O'Halloran got a big shock today when Katie Taylor arrived into her classroom to present her with the Sky Sports Living for Sport Student of the Year award for the Republic of Ireland.
Not only that but the whole thing was broadcast live on Sky Sports News HQ, after Katie entered the room to surprise the young Ardscoil Mhuire student.
The award was to recognise Stephanie's achievements in 'using sports stars and the skills learnt through sport to build life skills in young people.' Stephanie's father sadly passed away shortly after the project started but she overcame her difficult circumstances and successfully planned a sports event in the school.
Stephanie's teacher, Karen Usher, was immensely proud of her achievements:
It is a testament to Stephanie how she took the skills she learned in the club and applied them to her own life. Her increase in confidence, self-esteem and happiness was not only noticeable within the club, but also in the classroom and school corridors.
A panel of judges selected Stephanie for the award and she will now go on to represent the Republic of Ireland in the overall Sky Sports Living for Sport Awards in London, which will be broadcast on Sky Sports 1 on Sunday 29 March at 7.30pm.
Speaking about Stephanie, Katie Taylor said:
All of the three Irish students shortlisted for Sky Sports Living for Sport Student of the Year are inspirational and I’m so pleased that they have been recognised at this year’s awards. Today is Stephanie’s day and it’s great to be here in Galway to give her the award.
She’ll be sure to have an amazing time at the Sky Sports Living for Sport Awards in London this weekend. Good luck Stephanie!
Sky Sports are surprising other students this week, with Welsh winner Emma Morgan receiving a visit from a certain Frenchman yesterday.
