tharrison » Irish Life Experience
Introducing Amy Dever-Your 2012 Female Counselor
Hi 2012 ILE’ers! My name is Amy Dever and I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am and how blessed I feel to be a part of this summer’s ILE Program! I was born and raised in Spokane, Washington, where I lived until I graduated high school. I went to Carroll College in Helena, Montana, where I studied Math for Secondary Education.
The summer after my junior year at Carroll, I had the opportunity to go on a Diocesan Mission in Santo Tomas, Guatemala with several of my peers. We were there for 11 days and immersed ourselves in their culture. It was an amazing and life changing opportunity and made me want to see more of our incredible world.
I have always loved working with kids, especially teenagers, and now I have the privilege of doing that as my profession.
Soon after graduating from Carroll, I heard of a high school math position opening in Polson, Montana. I decided to apply for it-not even imagining that I would be offered the job and end up teaching here. So far, it has been a wonderful first year of teaching. I teach Geometry and Pre-Algebra and I was also a Co-Head Coach of the Cheerleading Squad.
One of my most favorite hobbies is dancing and I will soon be getting my Zumba certification in June-only a few days before we take off on our great adventure to the Emerald Isle. You know what that means…, there may be sporadic Zumba parties in Ireland! I hope you’re ready for that!
Although I have many roots in Ireland from both my mother’s and father’s sides of my family and many of my family members from the United States have been to Ireland, I have never traveled there. I am so excited to embark on this journey and share this experience with all of you! I can’t wait to meet you all very soon!
A Fun-Filled Reunion Weekend Had By All!
On March 9th, 60 Irish Life Experience and Irish Way Alumni gathered in Boston for a fun-filled Reunion Weekend. A perfect kick-off to the St. Patrick’s Day Season-just around the corner.
With many years being represented, from 1976-2011, Alumni traveled from as far away as Arizona, California, and Washington. Special guest, Angela Mervyn-Coordinator and Teacher since 1998-even made the journey from Belfast, Northern Ireland. A wonderful surprise to all that spent time and witnessed this remarkable woman in action on the program. “Angie was an integral part in making my summer in Ireland so incredible. It was amazing to see her after all these years,” said Caitlin Hawley (’03-San Francisco, CA). Counselors Cyrus Anderson (’99, ’06, and ‘07-Alexis, IL), Orla Kennedy (’00 and ’06-Boston, MA), Kendall Drew (’03 and ’09-Chicago, IL), Siobhan Kennedy (’05 and ’10-Boston, MA), and Edel Coen (’11-San Francisco, CA) also made treasured appearances.
The Reunion began with an All-Year Social at Anthem Kitchen and Bar in Faneuil Hall. Alumni were reunited over a few pints, a slideshow of candids throughout the years, and a delicious dinner. Heartfelt speeches were made and Alumni reminisced and shared stories of their magical summer spent on the Emerald Isle. It was evident that the program had…, and continues to impact the Alumni in profound ways.
It was early to bed, early to rise, as everyone was anxious to prepare for the 4th Annual Irish Pub Challenge on Saturday-sponsored by Tenon Tours-official travel partner of the program. With an outstanding turnout of almost 4,000 people and 24 pubs participating; Boston’s Irish Pub Challenge came close to breaking the Guinness Book of World Records.
Beginning at 10 AM at the Place, Alumni and Celebrity Captains from the Real World Challenges meandered their way through the streets of Beantown, checking into each pub, and enjoying a Guinness or two. The goal was to visit as many pubs as possible for the chance to win a free trip to Ireland. “I’m very impressed and proud to see how much the Irish Pub Challenge has grown. I was also delighted to have Alumni representing the Irish Life Experience and Irish Way. It is such a phenomenal program and we enjoyed having them participate in the event,” said Bryan Lewis, President of Tenon Tours.
“It was a great weekend,” said Ryan Raines (’07-Rutherford, NJ). “I can’t wait for the next Reunion,” said Maria Leal (’03-Boston, MA). Kendall Drew (’03-Chicago, IL) said, “I cannot thank you enough for organizing such a fantastic weekend. We all had such a great time! It really reminded me of all the great memories, but also the impact that this program has had on my life, both as a student and a Counselor.” “The Reunion was packed full of fun, laughs, and great energy that go hand in hand with the program. And in typical Irish Life Experience/Irish Way style, I finished the weekend having made new friendships, while strengthening existing ones,” said Edel Coen (’11-San Francisco, CA).
It was remarkable to see how many attended the Reunion and to hear how special the program is to each Alumni. Angela Mervyn summed the program up well when she said it changes lives. “It truly does. It changes lives for the better. It changed mine and I will never forget this summer of a lifetime,” said Raizel Burstein-Frame (’11-Seattle, WA).
We are already planning the next Reunion. Possibly in Ireland, so stay tuned.
Roseanna Stanfield Goes to Ireland!
Is this a bunch of blarney? No! My name is Roseanna Stanfield and I would love to travel to Ireland with The Irish Life Experience.
I’m currently a Junior at Polson High School in Polson, Montana. I have participated in many extracurricular activities, such as Softball and Tennis. I belong to Art Club, Board of Governors-serving as the Vice President of the Junior Class, Key Club, Speech and Drama and have performed in the school play, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Music is a dear passion of mine, as I’m a member of numerous vocal ensembles and also play the piano and violin. In my spare time, my interests and hobbies include biking, dancing, drawing, rock climbing, running, snowboarding, swimming, and walking.
I’m the youngest of eight children. I have had a wonderful time growing up in such a large close-knit family. It has been a lot of fun and a much different environment than having to grow up in a small family.
I’m really excited at the thought I might get to travel to Ireland at such a young age. Most of my other siblings did not have this opportunity and I’m very blessed I might be a part of this special program!
I would love to participate in the Irish Life Experience, because I have always wanted to learn about new cultures and places around the world. This is the perfect program for me! Ireland is an incredible country that is filled with a lively and historically rich culture.
The Irish Life Experience will be a summer of a lifetime, that I know will forever change my life. It is my dream to go to Ireland, but for this to happen; I will need your support. Please consider making a donation to help make my dream come true and allowing me to take this incredible trip to Ireland!
Thank you so much for your support!
You’re Invited to the Irish Life Experience and Irish Way Reunion!
Tenon Tours is hosting the 1st Annual Reunion for all alumni of the Irish Life Experience and Irish Way summer programs. The event will take place in Boston in conjunction with the 4th Annual Irish Pub Challenge. To make the most of the weekend, we’ve included an all-year group dinner, duck tours, trolley tours and more.
Dates: March 9-11, 2012.
Highlights:
Two nights at the Omni Parker House.
All-Year Alumni Dinner and Social.
4th Annual Irish Pub Challenge (Over 21 Only).
Duck Tour of Boston.
Hop-On/Hop-Off Trolley Tour of Boston.
Register via Tenon Tours.
Here’s the scoop:
Friday, March 9, 2012
Check-in to the Omni Parker House, the most historic hotel in Boston and Tenon Tours’ Headquarters.
All Year Alumni Dinner and Social
Join fellow Irish Life Experience and Irish Way Alumni for an unforgettable evening. Reminisce about your magical summer in Ireland. From living around the country, to learning the Irish National Anthem in Gaelic class, to exchanging favorite scone recipes, to discussing hurling and Gaelic football techniques, to comparing drama stories, and to exploring and witnessing the beauty of the land first hand. Rekindle bonds with old friends, meet new friends, and share stories from the Emerald Isle over dinner, a pint of Guinness (if old enough), and possibly demonstrating “a haon, a do, a tri” jig.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
OPTION #1 (Over 21 Only)
Attend the 4th Annual Irish Pub Challenge as a warm-up to St. Patrick’s Day. The largest pub crawl in Boston, and considered to be one of the Top Ten things to do around St. Patrick’s Day. This even welcomed more than 2,500 people last year from three countries and 39 states.
OPTION #2 (All Ages Welcome)
Make a SPLASH! Super Duck Tours is the only amphibious tour to bring you through Boston Harbor, the doorway to the new world and the birthplace of American liberty and commerce. Alumni will see breathtaking harbor views and learn about waterfront history during this one of a kind land and sea tour.
OPTION #3 (All Ages Welcome)
Enjoy a custom trolley ride above traffic. The perfect way to see Boston and to learn about 400 hundred years of history. Alumni will enjoy an amazing two and a half hour fully narrated tour of Boston and Cambridge, including the only trolley tour of Harvard Square. Feel free to hop on and off and explore 21 Boston sightseeing attractions.
Register via Tenon Tours.
You can choose to sign up for all events, a few events, or nothing at all. However, if you can’t attend we would like you to upload a picture or two on Tenon Tours’ form from your magical summer spent on the Emerald Isle.
Introducing Shona (AKA Scooooones) Ní Luineachaín-Your 2012 Female Counselor
Born and raised in the Rebel County of Cork, it was only natural that Shona started playing GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) from a very young age. Training for both local Camogie and Gaelic football teams, as well as taking up Irish dancing after school, Shona was always enthusiastic about participating in and learning about traditional Irish pastimes. She furthered her knowledge of the Irish language, songs, and stories from spending her summers in Irish colleges on the southern coast of Ireland. Having spent so long being as a student, Shona finally got the chance to work for an Irish College in Co. Kerry. Shona is now studying Business Studies at the University of Limerick, but got the opportunity to work for eight months in 2011 in Boston with Tenon Tours where she got to meet the fabulous Taryn and was first introduced to the Irish Life Experience. She is eagerly awaiting the summer of 2012 where she will finally get the chance to meet the entire ILE Team that help make this experience unforgettable and the new students that will be involved in this year’s amazing adventure.
Tyler Krell Goes to Ireland!
Hi! My name is Tyler Krell and I would love to travel to Ireland with the Irish Life Experience.
I am currently a Senior at Polson High School in Polson, Montana. After I graduate, I plan to attend college to further my education and pursue a degree in Dentistry.
While in High School, I have participated in many extra curricular activities, such as Basketball, Golf, and Track and have been involved with the management of the Football and Volleyball Teams. I am also a distinguished member of the National Honor Society. For the past two years, I have served as Student Body President and am currently the Student Representative for the School Board.
With Irish roots stemming from County Mayo, I grew up hearing stories about the motherland passed down from my Great Grandfather King and Grandfather Cates. It would be my dream to witness firsthand the beauty of the land, become immersed in the culture and traditions, and delve into the rich history that has been shared with me.
The Irish Life Experience will be a once in a lifetime opportunity, that I know will forever change my life. This experience will open up my eyes to a whole new world-a world that I will cherish and embrace. It is my dream to go to Ireland, but I won’t be able to make the journey without your support. Please consider making a donation to help make my dream come true.
Go Raibh Maith Agat! Thank You!
