High School Head Girl Heads to Stormont

She managed to pack in a whole range of activities during her week with Mrs Dobson.

On Monday she travelled to Stormont where she experienced a sitting day at the Assembly, meeting some of the MLAs.

On Tuesday morning Alana accompanied Jo-Anne at the launch of an Organ Donation campaign in central Belfast followed by supporting the work of the Northern Ireland Hospice at Stormont before joining the launch of a new initiative to help and support parents who care for disabled children.

She also got to sit in on question time where Mrs Dobson queried the Enterprise Minister on the level of support provided to businesses in Upper Bann and separately about her concerns about the underfunding of local tourism promotion.

On Wednesday and Friday Alana learnt about the work of the Banbridge constituency office, helping to answer calls and joining meetings on local issues including the availability of Cancer drugs.

On Thursday she accompanied Jo-Anne on visits in Craigavon and helped in the party’s Portadown advice centre.

Commenting Mrs Dobson said: “I was absolutely delighted to host Alana on her work experience with me both at Stormont and in Banbridge.

“It’s always great to see young people showing an interest in the issues that matter to local people and Alana was so keen to learn and get a flavour of my role as an MLA.

“Politics can often deflect people rather than attract the new talent which is needed to help make life better for everyone.

“People like Alana who are showing that interest, while still at school, are our future - only by bringing forward new talent can we truly make Northern Ireland the better place we all want it to be.

“Alana is a wonderful ambassador for Banbridge High School and I wish her every success with her future studies and career.”