By: Caroleann Gallagher
Three years ago, I launched the Coogan Gallagher Scholarship to give back to the place that shaped me most—Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada, my Irish high school on Arranmore Island off the Donegal coast.
The school has an inspiring story. Founded in 1990 after years of determined lobbying of the Irish government, it became the first high school ever built on the island. Until then, students had to leave home as young teenagers and board on the mainland if they wanted to continue their education. When the school finally opened, I was part of the very first class—just 24 of us.
Because it was so small, the teaching was personal and direct. That one-on-one support not only shaped who I became but also gave me the belief that with hard work, anything was possible. For me, that meant pursuing an ambitious dream: becoming a lawyer. At the time, I had never even met a lawyer and had no family or friends in the profession, so it seemed like a very big mountain to climb. But my teachers encouraged me to chase that goal, and their confidence gave me the courage to make it happen.
The scholarship is my way of paying that gift forward. In Ireland, scholarships are rare, and I wanted to create an opportunity for the senior class of my high school to receive financial support as they begin their college journey. It is also my way of saying thank you to the school that gave me so much while supporting the next generation as they step into their own futures. My hope is to continue offering it for many years to come.
This past year’s recipient was Aoife O’Donnell, a truly exceptional student who not only excels academically but also gives back selflessly to the Arranmore community. She represents everything this scholarship is meant to stand for: hard work, resilience, and generosity of spirit.
Looking back, I know my journey began in those classrooms on a tiny island off the Irish coast. Launching this scholarship has reminded me that no matter how far we go, we should never forget where we came from—and that giving back is one of the greatest privileges of all. Today, it is my privilege to help Arranmore’s students dream just as big as I once did.
This article was originally published in the WBAI Fall 2025 Newsletter on page 31.