Heart of Gold teenager lauded by school for charitable deeds

A TEENAGER who received the Heart of Gold at the recent Tallaght Person of the Year Awards has been praised by his school for his charitable and selfless deeds.

Sean Guerrine, 17, is a sixth year student in Mount Seskin Community College in Jobstown, who is actively involved in school life and fundraisers, and aims to make a difference.

After his grandmother Monica Guerrine, whom he lived with, died last month, Sean decided to hold a fundraiser for Our Lady’s Hospice in Harold’s Cross, where she spent her final days.

With the help of his aunties Ciara Dwyer and Michelle O’Donohoe, Sean organised a table quiz in Citywest which raised €900 for Our Lady’s Hospice.

“We wanted to do something in honour of my grandmother and to thank the hospice for their great care,” said Sean.

He has supported school initiatives such as Stand Up Week for LGBTQ+ pupils and Anti-Bullying Week, and participates in fundraisers for the local branch of St Vincent de Paul.

Outside of his passion for being part of the Mount Seskin community, Sean also gives back to his old primary school, St Thomas’s National School, as a mentor for sixth class students.

“I work with the sixth class students on my half-day every Wednesday, helping them prepare for the next stage of their education in secondary school,” said Sean, who lives in Bawnlea.

“I am working with Ms Laura Daly, a resource teacher from St Thomas’s, making a video with the sixth class and Mount Seskin first year students, talking about their experiences and about what to expect next year.”

Every Thursday after school, Sean helps out with after-school programmes in Citywise and he is the chairperson of the service’s Youth Steering Committee.

Earlier this month, Sean’s work in the community was recognised at Tallaght Person of the Year, where he received the Heart of Gold Award to the delight of his family and his school.

Charlie Ferguson, Mount Seskin’s principal, said: “We are so proud of Sean here in the college.

“He has been an active member of the Student Council for five years now.

“He is currently the chairperson of the council.

“Over the years, Sean has been actively involved in many important events like Stand Up Week supporting LGBTQ+ students and staff, Anti-Bullying Week, Comhairle na nÓg, to name but a few, as well as fundraisers for our local St Vincent de Paul.

“He is very giving of his time and makes a real difference to our college.

“Sean’s indomitable spirit, kindness and community spirit shows why he is a very worthy winner of Tallaght Heart of Gold.”

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