Former PiA Student Becomes a 'Protégé for Peace'

Lucy Browne, an 18 year old student who has just finished her A Levels at Portadown College is bound for New Jersey thanks to her selection as a 'Protégé for Peace' alongside Victoria Maguire from Blessed Trinity College in Belfast.

In her own words: "Hi, I’m Lucy Browne, I’m 18 years old and was selected for the 'Protégés for Peace' Scholarship for the Lawrenceville School in New Jersey, USA. I was given the opportunity to apply through my teacher Mrs Coen, it was such an exciting opportunity I immediately volunteered. I had to write essays and participate in interviews with my now mentor and friend Katie McMahon. It was during my exams I received the news I was accepted into the scholarship, this was a very emotional, scary and exciting time for me as reality hit that I would be entering the most promising step of my education as well as leaving home, friends and family for a whole year.

There was a meet up with the other scholar Victoria Maguire and past alumni as well as Katie herself; it was an eye opening and exciting time where I learnt about the school and how life at Lawrenceville will be. I am beyond ecstatic at having this amazing opportunity. It extends my school experience and if I am successful I will receive a diploma at the end of the year. Lawrenceville is a school built upon diversity, equality and is invested in the history of Northern Ireland. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and will continue to update my story throughout the year!"

Katie McMahon contacted our Executive Director ahead of our historic 'Building a Better Peace' event at Queen's University in April - and we are really delighted that one of our former participants can be part of this amazing opportunity. The Lawrenceville School offers a unique and high-quality experience that is likely to be life changing for the two young women. We are looking forward to her updates and to seeing how she and Victoria use the experience to impact on the world.