Derry Credit Union - Contribution to the Arts Award winners

Alex Patterson: Winner

Young artist Alex Patterson, a pupil at Foyle College, is recognised as outstanding across a range of media: the performing arts, design, photography and poetry. But tonight, our Award Programme recognise Alex for the impressive way in which she has leveraged her success into fundraising and awareness campaigns to benefit and inspire the artistic development of others. Some of Alex’s outstanding work in this area include

During the Covid pandemic, Alex set up Go Fund Me page, completed a 12-hour sponsored paint in which she produced two canvas landscapes, and raised £5,050 for dedicate COVID-19 staff in Altnagelvin Hospital. She donated the landscapes to local nursing homes.

Alex’s anti-bullying design was used by schools across N Ireland for educational purposes.

She won the Unison National Art prize, raising £1000 for school art equipment. With this she set up a weekly after-schools Eco Art Club at which she combines and shares her passion for climate change and art. Running for three years now, the Club have won numerous prizes for their work.

Alongside this, Alex designs posters in school and for the local community, promoting fundraising initiatives, and designing and making costumes and sets for local drama productions.

She has helped raise £4,400 to highlight young people’s mental health through various campaigns.

Alex gives speeches in schools and community groups to inspire and encourage artistic development in others.

Her nominator, Mrs McShane, writes, ‘Alex’s inspiration, commitment, arduous work, and passion are quite incredible. We at Foyle Community collectively want Alex to be recognised & appreciated for her selflessness and devotion to others.’

Aoibh Logue and Sarah Spencer: Winners

Musicians Sarah Spencer and Aoibh Logue did not let Covid lockdown stop them. As part of an initiative by led by dementia organisation DEEDS, the girls helped create a set of online videos called the Green Lounge. The girls performed well-known songs to help trigger positive memories for those suffering from dementia. The videos were well received online, with one watched over 50k times. The overall success of the Green Lounge online led to two Green Lounge Live events at which Sarah and Aoibh were at the forefront.

The girls have also participated at various community events, including "A Hill Far Away", celebrating 75 years of the Creggan estate; the Gasyard Feile’s ‘Equinox Project; and Ardnahsee's school show in November 2022. They also contribute to the musical life of St Cecilia’s College by helping pupils in after school ensembles such as School of Rock and assisting with GCSE practicals; and performing at school events such as Prizegiving, liturgical services, Open night, and Carol Services

Their nominator, teacher Ms McConnell, explains that Aoibh and Sarah are generous with their time, are role models for younger pupils, and are advocates for music among our younger pupils.

She adds, ‘Aoibh Logue and Sarah Spencer are two lovely, generous and immensely talented young ladies who have been very involved in the Music Department in St Cecilia's College throughout the last seven years. I truly believe that they would be ideal recipients for this award as their contribution to the music in St Cecilia's College and the wider community is extremely valued and has been a consistent source of enjoyment for people over the last seven years.’

Jodie Lavery and Orlaigh Devine: Runners-up

St Mary’s College teacher Miss Treacy writes that while pupils Jodie Lavery and Orlaigh Devine have won numerous awards, what they do when the spotlight isn’t on them is even more, impressive. Miss Treacy detailed a number of the girls’ contributions to their school:

They were appointed Art & Design ambassadors.

They assist junior pupils, visiting every KS3 class to recognise and reward the work of young artists with certificates, treats and posting photos of them on the Art Department’s Twitter account

Leading the school’s craft fair team by helping to plan the event, lead younger pupils, and support the stall-holders. The financial success of the fair will provide the Art Department with funding to support younger artists next year.

Developing and delivering a presentation for GCSE and A Level Art & Design pupils on the growing opportunities in the Creative Industries.

Miss Treacy writes, ‘Since year 8 both have brought a glow to every room they have entered. They are not only full of talent and intelligence, they are also full or consideration, kindness, empathy, enthusiasm and fun. Always being on schedule with their own work allows them to be super generous in their support of others and I have witnessed, countless times, each of them selflessly supporting, guiding and motivating their peers in class.

'They also attend every after-school art club and bring the same encouraging words, smiles, support… not to mention a fair few bad jokes to this club. I cannot commend these two talented, intelligent, kind and beautiful souls enough. They are our two stars.’

Megan Scott: Runner-up

Young flautist Megan Scott is a pupil at St. Mary’s College who participates in competitions with much success and has completed numerous grade examinations. However, she has been nominated by her teacher Clare Doherty for the extent to which she has enriched the opportunity of other students by sharing her artistic talents and love of traditional music.

Along with school principal Mr McGinn and teacher Mr McBride, Megan was a founding member of the St Mary’s College Traditional Group.

As such, Megan took on a pivotal role in the group teaching and mentoring of other students. The students that she works with come with little and sometimes no prior knowledge. Yet within three months, Megan has new students performing ‘Fairy-tale of New York’ at school Christmas assemblies! Most recently the group performed for our busy Grandparents Day and St. Brigid’s Day visitors with an expanded repertoire of tunes including those with increasing complexity.

Megan’s encouragement and teaching skills with the students she mentors has fostered a love and dedication to improving their performances. Students look forward to their lunch time lessons and practice hard together.

They enjoy watching Megan showcasing her own outstanding skills when she performs her competition pieces while the also enjoy the Haribo sweets she brings along to their Traditional music sessions!

Ms Doherty writes, ‘In all areas of school life, Megan is an exemplar student. Her time and selfless devotion to the Traditional Group where she shares her artistic talents and encourages artistic development in others (including those who have no musical background) is something she should feel very proud of.’