Rachel Kalinin, who studied at Loreto Bray, was forced to delay her Leaving Cert for several years, but feels the wait was a positive. She now dreams of becoming a judge.
The students, and their former school principals, were invited to receive their awards at ceremonies which took place in Trinity’s Examination Hall between January 20–22, 2026.
Rachel Kalinin was one of four Loreto Bray students who scaled the heights at the top of the Leaving Certificate ladder last summer, when she remarked on the “shock” of getting the maximum haul of points. Speaking to the Bray People at the time, Rachel said Law in Trinity was always her first choice.
Following the recent award, and with her place well earned and secure, Rachel recalled how she had “quite a unique experience” doing the exams.
“While my peers were doing the Leaving Cert I was in hospital for a few years unfortunately, and so I had that bit of maturity that I wouldn’t have had at 18. I was 21 doing the exams. I was lucky to have the most incredible teachers at Loreto Bray, who supported me through my studies and I’m forever grateful for each and every one of them.”
Former Loreto Bray student Rachel Kalinin, who received an ‘Entrance Exhibition Award’, at Trinity College Dublin.
News in 90 seconds – Wednesday 28th January.
For those students who are soon to sit the mock exams and are feeling the nerves for June, Rachel said: “It is easy for students to get caught up in the pressure to pull out eight-hour study days, but it’s just unnecessary.
“I was consistent and studied every single day since the beginning of fifth year, even if it was half an hour. It meant during the exams I was able to relax a bit more. I ran and went for a sunrise sea swim every morning before the exams, which meant by 9:30am, when the exam started, I was in a good headspace.
“The sooner you start, and take things seriously from the beginning, the less your load will be approaching the exams. I wouldn’t underestimate the power of practising past exam questions too and focusing on what’s likely to come up to minimise stress in the weeks approaching the exams,” she added.
Looking forward to her next goal, Rachel said her focus is on completing her law degree and becoming a barrister, “with the ultimate dream of being appointed as a judge”.
“I have a particular interest in medical negligence law and animal rights law, as of now, but the course is so vast and there are so many different doors to open, which is what I love about law. The future is exciting and abundant.”
Trinity Provost Dr Linda Doyle congratulated all the awardees as she welcomed the students to the college during the recent ceremonies.
“It is our great privilege to welcome these wonderful students to Trinity College Dublin,” she said.
“They deserve enormous credit for the hard work and commitment that have brought them to this point. I have every confidence that they will thrive in Trinity’s incredible academic environment and enjoy the creativity and fun of our 150 sports clubs and societies.
“I also want to congratulate all those who have supported these students on their journeys. In addition to their parents and guardians, I want to acknowledge the dedication of school principals, teachers and wider school staff – both primary and secondary – who play such a vital role in bringing out the best in students during their formative years.”
The awards are given to students accepted into the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree who achieve the highest points among Trinity entrants from their secondary school, above a minimum of 500 points (or equivalent).
When more than one student from a school gets the same points, all receive an award. Many former awardees have gone on to make a significant contribution to the economic, cultural, and political life of Ireland and beyond. Past exhibitioners include former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. Awardees also received a certificate and a €150 book token.
The remaining Wicklow students who received TCD Entrance Exhibition Awards for 2026, are:
Andrew Nolan, Arklow CBS Wen Xiang Lin, Woodbrook College, Bray Adam Hagan, Coláiste na Toirbhirte, Bray Robyn Nowlan, St. Gerard’s, Bray Cathal Murphy, St David’s Holy Faith, Greystones Nathan Donlon, St David’s Holy Faith, Greystones Colm O’Neill, St. David’s Holy Faith, Greystones Ava Martin, Dominican Convent, Wicklow Caelan Frawley Lenehan, Dominican Convent, Wicklow Emily Short, Temple Carrig School, Greystones Sophie Lumley, Temple Carrig School, Greystones Kai Fitzsimons, North Wicklow Educate Together Secondary School, Bray Katie O’Connor, Wicklow ETSS Melissa Alves Rosa Neuwald, Community College, Blessington Rebecca Byrne, Coláiste Bhríde, Carnew Ellen O’Friel, St Kevin’s Community, DunlavinRebecca McElligott-Ryan, Avondale Community College Ellie Ryan, Coláiste Ráithín, Bray Aisling Doyle, Coláiste Chraobh Abhann, Kilcoole Emily Ludlow Johnston, East Glendalough School Eduard Carausu, St Kilian’s Community School Aaron Christopher Lenktaitis Brogan, Coláiste Chill Mhantain