Derry Credit Union - Contribution to Arts Award 2024

PICTURED ABOVE: Amanda Johnston (guest speaker, Social Enterprise NI) pictured with Tanya Wakely (on behalf of winner Ben Farren) in the Contribution to the Arts Award at the Derry Credit Union 2024 Young People's Awards. Also included are Cara McGeehan and Tony Bradley, members of the youth committee. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

The Derry Credit Union Young People’s Awards took place on Monday, 25th March, in the City Hotel.

The awards scheme, now in its 19th year, recognizes the outstanding work, accomplishments, courage, and generosity of our local young people. It is open to all aged from 11 through 18 who live or attend school in the BT47 and BT48 post code areas.

This year, 90 nominations were received from 10 post-primary schools, sporting teams, family, and friends. 17 individuals and 7 groups were recognized as runners-up or winners across 8 award categories.

Congratulations to all the nominees, runners-up, and winners.

IN PICTURES: Celebrations at Derry Credit Union Young People’s Awards

Well done to the Derry Credit Union Youth Committee for their superb hosting skills. And thank you to all the nominators without whom the awards could not take place.

Contribution to the Arts Award Winner - Ben Farren

The winner of the Contribution to the Arts Award was Ben Farren who was nominated for his talent in and love for Irish Dancing and Ballet. In 2019 Ben was ranked 5th in the world in Irish dancing. Ben has won first place in a host of competitions and titles nationally and internationally. He was selected to dance with Riverdance in Dublin in 2022.

Ben shares his love of Irish dance within the community, performing at care homes and council events, and encouraging youngsters to work on their skills. He was invited to teach Irish dancing to learners in Boston in 2023.

In 2022 he began studying with the Miss Mary Hill School of Ballet, where he also volunteers on Saturdays, assisting young learners, particularly those with additional needs.

In today’s world, dance can be viewed as an unpopular activity for a teenage boy. But Ben is proud that there are now several Irish Dancing Champions at St Columb’s College and that they have the confidence to showcase their talents.

For these many reasons, Ben Farren was presented with the Contribution to the Arts Award.

Contribution to the Arts Award Runner-Up - Elle Harrison

Runner-up Elle Harrison is an accomplished ballet student who has danced in Swan Lake, Beauty and the Beast, and White Doves.

She is currently pursuing her qualification to teach ballet. Her commitment to ballet requires that she travels to Belfast sometimes four days a week after school.

At the Miss Mary Hill School of Ballet, Elle encourages her fellow pupils. She taught herself Makaton to work with a Downs Syndrome ballet student who has very little verbal ability and leg movement.

For her achievements in ballet but especially for her work in promoting ballet, encouraging and motivating her peers, and sharing her love of ballet, Elle was chosen as a first runner-up.

Amanda Johnston (guest speaker, Social Enterprise NI) pictured with Grace McCaul (Runner Up) in the Contribution to the Arts Award at the Derry Credit Union 2024 Young People's Awards. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

Contribution to the Arts Award Runner-up - Grace McCaul

Multi-talented Grace McCaul is a talented public speaker who has won numerous public speaking competitions, including third place at the NI Annual Youth Award Public Speaking Competition. She is also an outstanding singer and actress and a valued member of the St Mary’s College School Choir, where she regularly sings solo at concerts and community events. Recently, she won a place in the Northern Irish Youth Choir.

Grace was nominated for her outstanding talent, for sharing her talents at school and community events, and encouraging younger members of the school choir.

For these reasons, Grace McCaul was chosen as a runner-up in the Contribution to the Arts Award category.