Young people were today honoured for their exceptional contributions to Manx culture, language and the community.
The North American Manx Association (NAMA) presents awards each year to under 25-year-olds nominated for their creativity, language skills and community involvement.
The tradition dates back to 1979, the millennium of Tynwald, when NAMA established the awards.
Leslie Hanson, President of the World Manx Association, and Professor Ronald Barr, Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Education and Children, judged nominations.
Tim Crookall MLC, Minister for Education and Children, whose Department organises the awards, welcomed guests to the presentation ceremony at the Barrool Suite.
He said:
‘The recipients each have an inspirational story to tell, whether as a result of their talents, their selflessness, their willingness to encourage others or their determination to overcome obstacles.
‘It is humbling to meet young people who contribute so much to Manx society.’
Kelly McCarthy, immediate past President of NAMA, visited her native Island to present the winners with specially minted medallions.
Kelly said:
‘These awards, and the reciprocal award that the Isle of Man Government makes to an American child of Manx descent, are close to our hearts within the North American Manx Association.
‘The Association’s motto is the line from poet T. E. Brown – to preserve “whate’er is left to us of our ancient heritage”. And where better to start than with our youth? We are dazzled by the time, talent and enthusiasm that these Manx schoolchildren have invested in their heritage and it is an honour to meet them.
‘I hope they will reach out across the ocean, let us know how they progress and share their experiences with their American cousins.’
Winners are:
Manx music: Abbigail Radcliffe, 10, Dhoon Primary School
Abbigail has been learning the violin with Mannin Music since she was six and is described as ‘a model pupil’. She is working toward her grade four in the instrument and also plays flute and piano. She performs Manx music at community and cultural events and enjoyed success in the Manx Music Festival this year, winning a class. She is a member of her school’s folk group and the Bree Manx Traditional Youth Music and Dance Movement.
Arts and crafts portraying Manx life/culture: Ella Garvey, 18, Ballakermeen High School
An ‘excellent’ painting of ‘Bleak House’ in Ramsey, created for her AS-level examination, earned Ella a nomination from her teachers. They said the painting ‘tells a story and is very much part of the Isle of Man’. Ella’s interest in built heritage means she hopes to train as an architect.
Manx language: Maian Salmon, 17, Ramsey Grammar School
Having attended the Bunscoill Ghaelgagh as a primary pupil, Maian continued to study Manx in his own time and gained an A* GCSE equivalent by the time he was 14. He is now working towards A level. He has used his spoken Manx to create teaching resources for primary schools and he helps his father deliver conversational Manx classes. He was a member of a young Manx speakers’ panel at this year’s Celtic Congress, speaking confidently about the Manx culture to an international audience.
Manx culture (under 18): Ailish Williams, 13, Castle Rushen High School
Ailish has been dancing with Perree Bane since she was five and has travelled to Wales to perform with them. She took part in the Lorient Interceltic Festival in 2015, performing a dance she choreographed herself to her brother’s music. She has studied ballet since she was four with the Academy of Dance and performs with the Manx Ballet Company. She also plays tenor horn with Rushen Silver Band, the Manx Youth Orchestra and her school wind band.
Manx culture (group of under-25s): Bree Manx Traditional Youth Music and Dance Movement
Organised by Culture Vannin, Bree brings together young people from all over the Island for monthly sessions, performances and workshops in music, dance and song. Bree encourages young people to take pride in their culture. Early members are now tutors. Bree takes part in community events and charity fundraisers and hosts the Big Bree Workshop every autumn half term.
Manx community (work with voluntary organisations etc): Liam Miller, 18, Ramsey Grammar School
In April, Liam became the Island’s youngest ever politician when he was elected to the Garff board in the local authority elections, pledging to raise issues affecting young people. He also volunteers with Laxey and Lonan Heritage Trust’s Great Laxey Mine Railway and is a talented photographer. He was nominated for the NAMA awards by his headteacher, who said he showed ‘exceptional resilience and dedication’ in balancing his political ambitions with his studies and other commitments.
Manx community (overcoming disability and contributing to community): Callum Brew, 16, Ballakermeen High School
Callum, who has Aspergers syndrome, is described by his school, which nominated him, as ‘an exceptionally talented young man’ known for his perseverance. He is regularly involved in musicals staged in school and at the Gaiety Theatre, sings at St George’s Church and takes part in the Manx Music Festival, where this year he achieved a first and a second place. He is working towards Grade 7 singing.
Laurence Skelly MHK, a Manx speaker, presented the awards for the most progress in Manx to Chloe Hughes, 12, of Queen Elizabeth II High School and Owen Williams, 14, of Castle Rushen High School. Each received £50.
President of Tynwald Clare Christian OBE MLC gave the vote of thanks.
She said:
‘Congratulations to all the award winners. It is thrilling to see the breadth of talent and commitment displayed by our young people and we are most grateful to NAMA for their continuing support through the presentation of these highly prized medallions. Our thanks go to the parents, teachers and friends who lend encouragement and to the Department of Education and Children for organising this event.’
NAMA Youth can be found on Facebook.
Photo:
Back Row from the left – Kelly McCarthy, Callum Brew, Maian Salmon, Ella Garvey, Liam Miller.
Front Row from the left – Abbigail Radcliffe, Ailish Williams, Bree Manx Traditional Youth Music and Dance Movement Representative, Chloe Yvonne Heghes, Owen Williams