The Carson Awards were started by late comedian and integrated education supporter Frank Carson, along with his son Tony Carson, an entrepreneur, in 2008.
Delivered through the Integrated Education Fund (IEF), this year’s awards’ theme was ‘What Integrated Education Means to Me’.
Richard Massey, principal of the host school, said: “Staff at Integrated College Glengormley were delighted to have been chosen by the Integrated Education Fund to host this year’s Carson Awards. This was especially exciting as we are the most recent post-primary school to transform to integrated status, allowing us the privilege of welcoming staff and students from many integrated schools from across Northern Ireland.
“Tony Carson, son of the late Northern Ireland comedian, Frank Carson presented prizes to Integrated College Glengormley and a number of other integrated schools during the event. Tony spoke candidly of his delight in sponsoring pupils in integrated education to develop new skills and interests that would perhaps otherwise not be possible.”
During the event, pupils participated in dance, poetry, singing, and showcasing short films, created through the Carson Bursaries. A gallery area also displayed artworks produced across many schools, including video work from Lagan College students.
Mr Masey addedL “Senior representatives from the Department of Education, the Education Authority for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education attended the celebration, with Mary Roulston, director of the Integrated Education Fund, providing the first public showing of the upcoming integrated education marketing campaign featuring Northern Ireland born, Hollywood actor Liam Neeson.”
Commenting on the event, Paul Caskey, head of campaign, at the IEF stated: “The IEF are delighted to be celebrating the 15th year of the Carson Awards. While the topic and themes of the awards changes over the years, the quality never ceases to amaze.”
1. Integrated education celebrated
Oakgrove IPSN pupils and teachers from the Londonderry-based school receiving their ‘Special Award for Promoting Religious and Cultural Understanding' from co-founder Tony Carson. Photo: Declan Roughan
2. Integrated education celebrated
Oakgrove IPSN pupils and teachers from Londonderry, pictured after winning their ‘Special Award for Promoting Religious and Cultural Understanding' alongside co-founder Tony Carson and host Jim Fitzpatrick. Photo: Declan Roughan
3. Integrated education celebrated
Students from Belfast-based Malone College made an impressive short film entitled ‘Celebrating 25 years of Integration at Malone Integrated College’. This short film was so impressive in both content and production that the Carson Award judges awarded the entry ‘Joint First Prize in Key Stage Three.’ Pupils and teachers are pictured receiving their Carson Award from co-founder Tony Carson. Photo: Declan Roughan
4. Integrated education celebrated
Malone College pupils from south Belfast pictured showing co-founder Tony Carson their winning artwork. The students created an impressive short film entitled ‘Celebrating 25 years of Integration at Malone Integrated College’. Carson Award judges awarded the entry ‘Joint First Prize in Key Stage Three.’ Photo: Declan Roughan