Central Mayo students chosen as winners in national creative competition

Three talented students of Balla Secondary School have been chosen as winners of the Mental Health Ireland national art and photography competition.

The competition invited young people to explore and express their creative talents while encouraging students, teachers and parents to open up the mental health dialogue and encourage mental health championing.

The last year has been a turbulent time for many of our young people.

They have faced new challenges and continued to grow up in a reality very different to the one they were prepared for at the start of the year.

With this in mind, the theme of the Mental Health Ireland Art and Photography competition was ‘Reflecting on How I’ve Grown’ – in the face of the uncertainties and challenges of the year.

The competition was open to secondary schools, special education and Youthreach students.

The following County Mayo students were chosen as winners of the competition.

The students are from Balla Secondary School.

• Leah O'Dwyer, Third Place, Senior Cycle.

• Colum Prendergast, First Place, Senior Cycle.

• Caoilfhionn Little, Fifth Place, Senior Cycle.

The winners each were gifted a One4All voucher and will have their pieces featured in a virtual and public exhibition when restrictions are lifted.