Columbans announce Schools Competition winners: '21st Century Changemakers'

Blaithin McElligott

Source: Columban Missionary Society of Britain and Ireland

Winners have been announced in a media competition for young people on the subject 'Anyone can make a difference: 21st Century Changemakers' run by the Columban Missionary Society in Britain and Ireland.

Young people 13-18 years were asked to consider: Who in the world today is doing something about inequality, injustice, exclusion and environmental degradation? What can they teach us? The theme was based on a quote from young climate campaigner Greta Thunberg who has said, "no one is too small to make a difference". She and many others internationally stand out for their mission to create a more just, peaceful and sustainable world.

Winning articles and images focused on big names like Greta Thunberg, David Attenborough, Jane Goodall, Marcus Rashford, Malala Yousafzai, Amanda Gorman, Vanessa Nakate and Pope Francis. There were also moving essays about the inspirational role teachers and parents play in the lives of young people, and there is a tribute to Londoner Margaret Mizen for her mission of forgiveness and peace following the murder of her son. One winning article highlights an Afghani woman who promotes good hygiene in very difficult circumstances in her country.

The two strands of the competition - articles and images - attracted 260 entries from nearly 50 schools, which were judged by panels of media experts separately in Britain and Ireland.

"The quality of entries blew me away and I was amazed at their energy and thoughtfulness," said James Trewby, Columban Education Worker in Britain.

In Britain, Jessica Saxon of St George's College in Weybridge wrote the winning article about US politician Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, described by one judge as "a barnstorming piece of writing". Runners up were Mahi Sikan of Thomas More in Bedford, Ella Bothwell of St Richard Gwyn in Flint and Scarlett Peart-Lapidge of Bishop Thomas Grant in London. Elijah Gilbert of Richard Challoner School, New Malden won first prize in the images section for his collage, which one judge said was, "a truly powerful and original image, with recognisable and diverse changemakers." Runners up were Katherine Fawole of St Paul's Academy in London, Oliver Lafite of Richard Challoner School and Paulette De Jose of Holy Cross School in New Malden.

In Ireland, Eimear Crawford of St Louis Grammar School, Ballymena wrote the winning article about Fr Alec Reid, who was pivotal to the peace process in Northern Ireland. William Scholes, Features Editor of the Irish News, described the article as: "Fluently written, thoroughly researched and inspired by the Beatitudes, this entry was a welcome assessment of Fr Alec Reid, a towering figure who was not only a true changemaker but also a peacemaker. It's encouraging that a new generation is aware of his contribution to the peace process, and that they might be inspired by his example to build the peace in the future."

Runners up were Erin Boylan of St Catherine's College, Armagh and Megan Nolan of St Michael's Holy Faith Secondary School Finglas, Dublin.

Blaithin McElligott of Presentation secondary school Castleisland, Co Kerry won first prize in the images section. Her artwork, highlighting the cost of fast fashion and promoting her school's clothes pod, was judged by William Scholes to have been an "informative entry" which "made an impact with its imaginative presentation and thoughtful examination of the issues around 'fast fashion' and the implications of the trend. That it ended on a positive note - the school's Clothes Pod - shows that we can all make a real difference and be changemakers, wherever we are." Runners up were Veronica Littlewood of St Catherine's College, Armagh and Amy Fleming of Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore, Co Kerry.

Former Columban competitions have focused on Climate Change, Migration and 'Tackling our Throwaway Culture' and Racism.

The winning British articles and images will be on website www.columbans.co.uk from 14 March.

The winning Irish articles and images will be available on website: www.columbans.ie from 14 March.