Open to students across Northern Ireland, Environmental Youth Speak is an annual public speaking competition designed to increase awareness of environmental issues amongst young people.
Co-ordinated by all three waste management groups, alongside the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, it encourages students to research and debate arguments on a wide-range of environmental issues. This year’s themes were based on two key statements:-
- ‘Recycling on its own will not solve our waste problem…’
- ‘If I was Northern Ireland Environment Minister for the day, I would…’
Now in its 11th year Environmental Youth Speak 2009 was hosted by local broadcaster Frank Mitchell who presented the winners and all finalists with their prizes at a special event held in the Island Civic Centre, Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn.
The following talented students were selected to represent their individual Councils during the regional heats of the competition.
Armagh – Timothy Burke from Derryhale Primary School and Sarah Callaghan from St. Catherine’s College pictured with UTV’s Frank Mitchell and Armagh Recycling Officer Liz Drew.
Banbridge – Stephanie Rodgers from Fair Hill Primary School in Kinallen and Rebecca Jane Houston from New Bridge Integrated College in Loughbrickland pictured with Frank Mitchell and Recycling Officer Tracey Fitzpatrick.
Craigavan – Alana Hughes from Lismore Comprehensive in Lurgan pictured with Frank Mitchell and Craigavon Recycling Officer Jennifer Wilson.
Cookstown – Cormac Quinn from St Mary’s Primary School in Pomeroy pictured with Frank Mitchell and Recycling Officer Jill Eagleson.
Dungannon and South Tyrone – Shannon Boyle from St. Mary’s Primary School in Aughnacloy and Eadaoin McKearney from St. Patrick’s Academy in Dungannon pictured with Frank Mitchell and Recycling Officer Jill Eagleson.
Fermanagh – Sarah-Jayne Makhlouf from Enniskillen Model Primary School and Megan Gordon from Mount Lourdes Grammar School also in Enniskillen pictured with Frank Mitchell and Recycling Officer Anthea Owens.
Newry – Dominic Grant from St Joseph’s Primary School Ballymartin and Olivia Murray from Sacred Heart Grammar School, Newry pictured with Frank Mitchell and Recycling Officer Tara Cunningham.
Omagh – Eireann McSorley from St. Mary’s Primary School in Killyclogher and Canice Ward from Dean Brian Maguirc College in Carrickmore pictured with Frank Mitchell and Recycling Officer Anthea Owens.