TUS to host Arcadia Creative Climate Awards exhibition next week
The Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) in Athlone has been confirmed as the host venue for the 2023 Arcadia Creative Climate Awards competition, which asks local primary and secondary school pupils to come up with environment-themed projects.
The exhibition and awards will take place on Tuesday next, May 9, from 11am to 2pm, giving students and schools an opportunity to exhibit their projects to fellow pupils, parents, and competition judges.
The Arcadia Creative Climate Awards are run in conjunction with Cllr Frankie Keena's 'Junior Mayor' initiative, and this is the first time the awards are being held on the TUS Athlone campus.
The competition asks primary school pupils across the Midlands to come up with ideas to improve the environment, while secondary schools are challenged to think about what Athlone will look like in 2050 and how we should all prepare for these environmental changes.
Cllr Keena is encouraging people to visit the exhibition in TUS on Tuesday next in order to see the great work that has been done by the students for this year's awards.
"The standard of entries is really high, and that is testament to the teachers 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," said the Athlone councillor.
TUS President, Professor Vincent Cunnane, commented: "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."
Dr Johanna Archbold, TUS Head Librarian, Athlone Campus, added: "Our Library is honoured to play a role in promoting and supporting the innovative and creative work of students from our 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."
Arcadia Retail Park's director, Fiachra McLoughlin, said it was delighted to have received the support of TUS for these awards.
"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," he said.
The Arcadia Creative Climate Awards are now in their third year.
Last year's competition was won by Athlone Community College (secondary school winner) with its 'ACC Climate Caretakers' project and by Cornamaddy National School (primary school winner) with the 'Economaddy' project.