Ross is off to European Parliament

Ross is off to European Parliament

9 December 2015

KILLYLEAGH teenager Ross Connolly is heading to the heart of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

The Down High School student recently won a local heat of the Rotary Club of Ireland Young Leaders of Tomorrow competition organised by Comber Rotary Club. Ross also qualified for the competition’s Northern Ireland final and secured one of three places up for grabs to head to Europe.

Every year, Rotary in Ireland runs a competition to find the young leaders of tomorrow, with schools putting forward their best students, each of whom is interviewed for 15 minutes by a panel of Rotarians.

Ross was declared the Comber Rotarians winner due to his wide knowledge of Rotary activities, his work experience and debating skills. He also won the area final held at Bangor Golf Club last month which secured him a place on the European trip,

The teenager — who is studying history, politics and maths — heads to Strasbourg next February, with two others from Northern Ireland and 20 other students from the Republic of Ireland.

Ross, who hopes to secure a place at Queen’s University in 2016 to study politics, philosophy and economics, is looking forward to next year’s European adventure.

“There will be lots of young people from across Europe taking part in the youth leadership development programme and it will be interesting to meet and interact with them,” he explained.

Ross hopes he will get a chance to see the European Parliament in session and is thrilled that after a tough selection and interview process he is one of three young people from Northern Ireland making the trip.

“I am very grateful to Comber Rotary Club for its support, in particular, Crosby McVeigh who accompanied me to the NI final and gave me invaluable advice and support,” Ross continued.

“The interview process consisted of questions on leadership, the merits of the European Parliament and the qualities you would require to be a leader. You also had to know about the work of the European Parliament.”

Ross added: “I can’t wait for next February and am really looking forward to going. I was thrilled to secure my place and it will be an experience travelling to France to meet up with other young people from across Europe who will all be taking part in the youth leadership programme.”

Rowallane councillor, Billy Walker, has congratulated Ross on his success. He said he’s someone who has shown leadership to young people in Killyleagh.

He added: “Ross is a very talented young man with a keen interest in politics. I wish him well in his continuing education and have no doubt he has all the necessary qualities and abilities to be a leader of tomorrow in whatever field he chooses.”