A COUNTY Limerick student is the only Irish recipient of a prestigious US Department of State award for outstanding international student leaders to study at Michigan University.
Caillum Hedderman from Ballybricken received a Study of the US Institutes (SUSIs) Award for European student leaders at a ceremony in the Department of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Dublin last Thursday.
The awards are part of an academic programme that brings outstanding student leaders to Michigan State University to gain a deeper understanding of the United States; enhance their leadership skills and develop their knowledge of civic engagement.
19 year-old Caillum is currently undertaking a Bachelors of Science in Political Science, International Relations and Sociology at University College Dublin.
He will travel to Michigan State University for five weeks to explore topics such as citizenship, community building, economic development, grassroots activism, political leadership, and volunteerism.
Caillum joined his local scout group in Ballybricken aged eight, and has since made representations at local, national and international forums on issues relating to climate, education, youth rights and sustainable development.
He recently joined the US Embassy’s Young Leaders’ Council, as an emerging leader in his discipline.
The next round of SUSI Award applications will open in December. Further information at www.fulbright.ie
