Students at St Colman's College, Fermoy, got a taste of the democratic process in action last week when they got the chance to vote in the Student Council elections.

With a marked contrast to the relatively small turnout in the Seanad Referendum, the students were very enthusiastic with a voter turnout of just over 96% to choose who will represent them over the next year.

Nominations were open for two weeks to choose candidates to run and each one had to get the endorsement of two students and a year teacher. When the nominations were finalised, the election race began with the 'hustings' held each day in the College assembly hall. Persuasive arguments, aims and promises were put forward by the candidates to sway the electorate.

The elections were held over two days on Thursday and Friday last, with the polling station set up in the library. Under the watchful eyes of the presiding officers Brendan Geary, Philip O'Flynn and Michael McAuliffe, the electorate each received a realistic-looking ballot paper complete with candidates' photographs.

Counting of votes took place on the day and students were notified. The elections were considered by staff to be a very good experience for students and a suitable introduction to the electoral process.

The new student council will be announced on St Colman's College website www.stcolmanscollege.com where their future aims will also be outlined. Staff and students extended congratulations to the successful candidates.

Meanwhile a rich historical tradition in St Colman's was also being observed last week with the appointment of the Senior Prefects for 2013/14. Interested students from 5th and 6th year filled in detailed applications outlining why they wished to represent the college as prefects.

Following two days of intensive interviews, the successful applicants were appointed by a selection committee made up of senior teachers and an outside expert. For most students, it was their first experience of a formal interview.

The newly appointed prefects follow in the footsteps of Canon Sheehan, the renowned novelist whose centenary is celebrated this year. Canon Sheehan was appointed a student prefect in the college in 1868.

Prefects, the name derived from the Latin 'Preafictus' meaning 'put in charge' are chosen for their integrity, sense of justice, diligence, strong communication skills and their positive leadership ability. They act as role models for their fellow students and help guide the student body in actively living the values and ideals of the college mission statement.

Head Prefect for the new academic year is Eoin Donnellan, the son of Paul and Mary Donnellan from Castlelyons. Principal Veronica O'Donoghue said of him: "He emulates all the qualities that this position demands. He applies himself to work in the classroom and appreciates the value of giving time to consolidate this effort outside school. He also trains with Fermoy Rowing Club and is a founding and playing member of the band 'Exit Fire'. Eoin is a fine example of a well balanced young man who will set an impressive example to others."

The prefects for the year are: Andrew Beirne, Cian O'Connor, Colm O'Neill, David Beausang, Eoin Donnellan, Frank Bailey, Kanosak Santiwichaikul, Senan McGrath, Thomas O'Connor, PJ Dennehy and Brendan McAuliffe. Following their appointment college management, staff and students wished them well in their new roles.

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