In an exciting new collaboration for the Arcadia Creative Climate Awards, the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS ), has been confirmed as host for the 2023 presentation ceremony where students from local schools will exhibit their projects to their peers, parents and the competition judges.
As part of the Arcadia Creative Climate Awards, primary schools across the Midlands region have been tasked with coming up with ideas to help the environment, while secondary schools have been challenged to think what Athlone will look like in 2050 and how we should all prepare for these environmental changes.
The Arcadia Creative Climate Awards project is being hosted in conjunction with Cllr Frankie Keena and his ‘Junior Mayor’ initiative, with its central theme of ‘giving young people a voice’.
“The exhibition and awards will take place on Tuesday, May 9, from 11am to 2pm and I would encourage people to come along to see the great work that has been completed by the students. I would also like to thank the teachers as the standard of entries is really high, testament to all those who have put time aside for this and recognised the importance of environmental matters for young people and the awareness it creates among the whole school community,” Cllr Keena stated.
“As a university, we are committed to empowering the next generation of students to become leaders in addressing climate change, biodiversity and sustainability challenges. The Arcadia Creative Climate Awards provide an excellent opportunity to recognise the innovative solutions and creativity of young minds from Westmeath primary and secondary schools. We are very proud to host this event and to support the development of our emerging environmental champions,” TUS President, Professor Vincent Cunnan, commented.
Dr Johanna Archbold, TUS Head Librarian, Athlone Campus, acknowledged that the TUS library was honoured to play a role in promoting and supporting the innovative and creative work of students from local schools.
“The event will also give these students a chance to hear from pioneering TUS postgraduate researchers on current projects addressing key climate issues like plastic pollution and sustainable packaging. We hope that this event will inspire our whole community to continue to engage with environmental issues and to work together towards creating a sustainable future,” Dr Archbold added.
Concluding, Mr Fiachra McLoughlin, Director Arcadia Retail Park, noted his delight with the support received from Joanna and all the team in TUS.
“The campus environment will provide an inspiring area for the students to show off their projects in a third level university campus and there will be a real buzz on the day,” Mr McLoughlin remarked.
The Arcadia Creative Climate Awards are now in their third year and last year’s competition was won by Athlone Community College (secondary school winner and Cornamaddy National School (primary school winner ).
