Deaf artists and authors from Northern Irish schools rewarded

Talented young deaf artists and authors from 12 Northern Irish schools were rewarded for their creativity in a ceremony at Belfast City Hall on Tuesday 5th March.

The deaf young people, aged from 4 to 18, entered artworks and stories on the theme of ‘My Time Machine’ in the National Deaf Children’s Society’s annual Young Authors and Artists Competition. They were among over 100 entrants from across Northern Ireland, all deaf children showing there is no limit to what they can achieve.

The keynote speech was given by up and coming Belfast-born deaf actor Jamie Rea, himself a former winner of the competition. During his speech Jamie reminded deaf children that “there is nothing impossible if you keep trying, there will always be a way of removing barriers.”

In addition to the young Authors and Artists given prizes, the National Deaf Children’s Society gave an award to Teresa Degnan, recently retired Head of Educational Audiology with the North Eastern Education and Library Board. Teresa was nominated by parents and teachers who wanted her to be recognised for her dedication to improving the lives of deaf children and their families.

Alasdair O’Hara, from the National Deaf Children’s Society in Northern Ireland, said:

“It was fantastic to see all of these amazing deaf children and young people showcasing their talents, and showing their friends, family and teachers that there is nothing they can’t achieve.

“Deaf children can achieve absolutely anything in life if they get the right support – including becoming the next generation of authors and artists.”  

The winning works of art and creative writing will be displayed in Belfast Central Library from Tuesday 7^th to Friday 24^th May.

The winners and their schools are as follows:

Ballymacash Primary School (Lisburn): Ethan Anderson; Clounagh Junior High School (Portadown): Denis Corbei; Cregagh Primary School (Belfast): Bradley Canning, Patrycja Czuchnowska, Brooke Crawford, JJ Elliott, Skye Foster, Holli Gilmore, Sophia Lyons, Sophie Rea, Scarlett Walsh, Chloe Whiteley; Drumglass High School (Dungannon): Charlie Bentley; Holy Trinity Primary School (Belfast): Thomas Rooney; Glengormley High (Newtownabbey): Stephen Corry, Lewis Lennox; Jordanstown School (Newtownabbey): Jude Armstrong, Ross Cartmill, Alex Lennon, Chloe Lennon, Anton Malone, Charlotte McCann, Carter, Dean & Rhys Newbronner, Wojciech Ratanow, Faith Sloan, Brielle Toal; St Brigid's Primary School (Mayogall, Magherafelt): Aoibheann Pickering; St Michael's Primary School (Belfast): Rosa Ferguson; St Ronan's College (Lurgan): Tomys Krikscuiukas, Conor Mulholland; St Therese of Lisieux Primary School (Belfast): Faye Isobella Donaldson; Tullygally Primary School (Craigavon): Meabh McAlinden.