St Mary’s CBS, Portlaoise, has been honoured with a coveted AIMS Award for their outstanding 2025 production of Grease.
The chairman of AIMS, Gerry Sweeney, visited the school recently to present the award, which recognised the production with the title of Best Cohesive Principal Team.
This accolade celebrated the talent, teamwork, and commitment shown by the staff, production team, and student cast.
The production, which took to the stage in April under the direction of Paul Norton and choreography of Megan Maher, brought together a cast of 40 boys from St. Mary’s CBS and 30 girls from Scoil Chríost Rí.
Over the course of many months, students worked tirelessly across every aspect of the production, from singing, dancing, and acting to set and costume design, backstage management, make-up and hair, and publicity.
Their efforts culminated in six sold-out performances, delighting audiences and showcasing the immense talent within both schools.
The production of Grease received multiple nominations at this year’s AIMS Awards, including Best Overall Show, Best Direction, Best Cohesive Principal Team, and the Mentor’s Special Award.
The Mentor’s Special Award specifically recognised the fortitude, courage, and commitment displayed by the cast and team in the face of unfortunate adversity.
The collaboration between St. Mary’s CBS and Scoil Chríost Rí has become a much-anticipated annual tradition, with students from both schools coming together each year to stage a musical of professional calibre.
The staff at St. Mary’s CBS have expressed their deep appreciation for the support and enthusiasm of Scoil Chríost Rí and the willingness of their students to take part.
This partnership, they say, is a key ingredient in the ongoing success of the productions.
Speaking about the award, members of the school community highlighted not just the recognition of the talent on stage, but also the spirit of teamwork and resilience that made the show possible.
Grease will long be remembered as a triumph for both schools, and the AIMS Award is a fitting tribute to the dedication, creativity, and collaboration that defined this year’s production.
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