With the successful launch of the University of St. Michael’s College Awards for Irish Heritage earlier this year, the next step is to get the word out to high school and elementary schools across the country to expand the project’s scope, connecting even more students with the history of the Irish in Canada while also offering them a taste of university life.
The University of St. Michael’s College Awards for Irish Heritage winners Diya Bhatti, Madeline Doyle, and Kate O’Grady, at the centre of each photo, accept awards from Professor Pa Sheehan, Janice McGann, Irish Consul General of Ireland in Toronto, and St. Michael’s President and Vice-Chancellor, David Sylvester.
Created in collaboration with the Embassy of Ireland and the Consulate General of Ireland, Toronto to mark Irish Heritage Month in March, the awards were designed to celebrate the important historic and continuing contribution of the Irish in Canada. Elementary and secondary school students were invited to submit projects—whether a written piece, visual art, or a multi-media submission– that explore and celebrate local Irish heritage.
The idea came out of conversations with various stakeholders, says Professor Pa Sheehan, who oversaw the awards’ roll-out and is already planning on how to engage more school boards from across the country and encourage more submissions for next year’s awards.
“It’ll be even better next year,” says Sheehan, who adds that the contest is a great way to introduce future students to what Irish studies is all about. “The Irish have had a big impact in this country and played a significant role.”
The story of the Irish can have an impact on and inspire all students, and entering the contest can helps sharpen a range of skills, from engaging in research and creative thinking to helping understand the experience of different cultures, he says.
The launch of the awards was timed to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of Thomas D’Arcy McGee, the Irish-Canadian journalist and politician who became one of the Fathers of Confederation. The presentation ceremony earlier this month coincided with a conference on campus hosted by the Canadian Association of Irish Studies.
Submissions were judged on originality, creativity, and quality. Projects were adjudicated by a panel from the university.
Janice McGann, Irish Consul General of Ireland in Toronto, attended the awards ceremony in St. Michael’s Charbonnel Lounge earlier this month.
John Concannon, the Ambassador of Ireland to Canada, sent along praise for the participants.
“I offer my warmest congratulations to all the students who participated and were recognized. Kate, Madeline, Diya, and Joanna, your dedication, passion, and hard work are a shining reflection of the rich traditions and enduring spirit of Ireland. You are the storytellers, scholars, and ambassadors of our heritage, and your achievements fill us with great pride,” he said.
Ambassador Concannon also offered his thanks to event organizers.
“A special word of gratitude goes to the St. Michael’s Celtic Studies Program and Professor Pa Sheehan for their outstanding work in coordinating the ceremony,” he said. “I would also like to acknowledge the gracious hosts, CAIS – Canadian Association of Irish Studies–and Dr. William Jenkins. Your ongoing commitment to promoting Irish studies and cultural exchange is deeply appreciated and makes events like this possible.”
One of the benefits of the contest is the opportunity for young students to engage with a university and gain a glimpse into university life, says Sheehan.
“Being on campus (for the awards ceremony) is exciting, and it allows younger students to begin to think about and understand what life at university is really all about,” he says. “University life can be insular,” he says, adding that events like the awards ceremony remind contestants that there is a social component to university life, too.
To learn more about the Irish Heritage Awards, read ‘Introducing St. Michael’s College Awards for Irish Heritage‘.