A secondary school has appealed to the Minister for Justice not to deport a Moldovan schoolgirl who has won awards for public speaking.
Ms Elena Cernei (16), a transition year student, won the Wicklow girls' public speaking competition last year, after only 18 months learning English. She also got six honours in her Junior Cert.
She came to Ireland, along with her parents and two brothers in 1999 and claimed asylum, but this was rejected. They recently received notification that a deportation order would be served on them. They now have 15 days to appeal on humanitarian grounds.
The principal of St Killian's Community School, Mr Michael Sheridan, said she was one of the school's brightest pupils.
"She has made a huge contribution . . . This must surely make a difference to her family's wish to stay in Ireland," he said.
"We do not wish to comment on the legal process . . . but Elena is a particular asset to our school."
Mr Sheridan said Elena, along with another student, had submitted a maths entry to the Young Scientist competition for 2002.
She is a member of the school's Concern debating team. The team has won both of its heats so far.
Elena said yesterday she was sad and worried about the prospect of leaving Ireland.
"I don't want to leave Ireland, I was looking forward to taking part in these events," she said.
A spokesman for the Department of Justice said it did not comment on individual cases. But he said "exceptional circumstances" were always taken into account before a final decision was made by the Minister.