Irish Step World Champions
2 Montrose students win World Championship in Irish Dance, while another places 7th.
Emma Schiller ‘17 and Colleen McCarthy ‘16 were on the first place, world champion Irish dancing team in Glasgow, Scotland last week.
Emma and Colleen, dancers for the Harney Academy of Irish Dance in Walpole, traveled to Glasgow for the 2016 World Irish Dancing Championships to compete in the Senior Girls Céilí 16-19 competition on March 26. Their team placed first in the world, beating forty-five of the best Céilí teams in the world who qualified for this prestigious competition.
The closely-fought competition led to Emma and Colleen’s team defeating the favored, hometown team from Scotland by only 2.5 points. They also defeated several other top teams from Scotland and Ireland.
In addition, Ciara Hernon ‘18’s Junior Girls Ceili team placed 7th in the world at the 2016 World Irish Dancing Championships.
More than 5,000 Irish dancers aged eight to adult from more than twenty countries took part in the 2016 World Irish Dancing Championships.
“We are very proud of these student athletes and we celebrate their dedication to hard work and excellence,” said Athletic Director Jodi Blackburn. Academic Dean Katherine Ginnetty noted the support and flexibility provided by Montrose for the girls to allow for their intense training and traveling schedules. “At Montrose, our teachers provide the lens of attention that helps a girl develop her gifts, in part by creating the supportive learning environment that values and appreciates individual talents,” she said.
“Emma, Colleen and Ciara exemplify the idea of Montrose student athletes who exhibit character excellence, academic excellence, and represent themselves well in all endeavours,” Mrs. Blackburn added. “They have the support, admiration and respect of their schoolmates and their teachers for their excellence in academics and athletics. We are in awe of our World Champions and celebrate their success!”
An independent school for girls in grades 6-12
Inspired by the teachings of the Catholic Church
Inspired by the teachings of the Catholic Church
