Two Mayo schools awarded first LIFT Leadership Flags

Two secondary schools in Mayo have become the first in the county to receive LIFT Leadership Flags in recognition of their commitment to fostering positive leadership values among students and staff.

On Wednesday, November 19, Sacred Heart School, Westport, and Mount St. Michael Secondary School, Claremorris, were honoured by LIFT Ireland, a national non-profit organisation that promotes values-based leadership.

Sacred Heart School Principal Kevin Malone said the award reflects the dedication of the entire school community.

“We are very proud of our students, whose enthusiasm and dedication have earned our school the LIFT Flag. To be one of only two schools in Mayo to receive this recognition is a special honour for our entire community,’ he said.

As part of the programme, the TY students of Sacred Heart Secondary School recently visited Gaelscoil Na Cruaiche to work with the sixth class students to improve their leadership awareness and skills.

Pictured: Mount St Michael Secondary School receiving their LIFT Leadership Flag

Ciarán Ryan, Principal of Mount St Michael Secondary School, described the flag as a significant milestone for the school.

“The flag recognition is a significant achievement for our school, being one of the first schools in Mayo to receive it. It reflects the hard work of our students, staff and wider school community in creating a safe, welcoming environment where every student feels valued.”

He also congratulated students who received certificates as part of the programme.

“I would like to congratulate our students who received their certificates, a well-deserved recognition of their leadership, commitment and engagement with the programme,” he added.

Ciarán said the LIFT programme has been a positive force within the school.

“We are very proud to be involved in LIFT. It is a fantastic programme that has had a genuinely positive impact on our school community. The programme fits seamlessly with our own ethos and values, particularly our commitment to respect for all, which is also one of the core LIFT values.”

Pictured: Gaelscoil Na Cruaiche students receiving recognition for their hard work in the LIFT Leadership Programme

Valuable role

LIFT Ireland (Leading Ireland’s Future Together) delivers leadership development programmes across the corporate, public, community and third-level sectors.

University of Galway lecturer Michael Campion said the programme plays a valuable role in higher education.

“I believe the LIFT programme is important and valuable for the undergraduate Business students because it gets them to reflect on and question their personal leadership at a young age, and should serve them well when they become the next leaders of Irish business.”

Jessica Duffy, Student Experience and Partnership Coordinator at Atlantic Technological University (ATU), said participation continues to grow.

“We have over 135 students and staff committed to fostering a vibrant culture of leadership and collaboration in the university, and are excited to announce plans for an ATU-wide campaign in 2026, aiming to further involve more students and staff in leadership development activities.”