The winners of the #WeLoveHort Video Competition, hosted by lecturers of the degree in Horticulture at South East Technological University (SETU), have been revealed.
Designed to ignite a passion for horticulture among youngsters, the competition, themed ‘A Growing Journey’, encouraged participants from primary to post-primary levels to create and submit videos that showcase their personal experiences and knowledge of plants and gardening.
Tipperary’s Ursuline Secondary School’s entry ‘Grow to Glow’ claimed first prize in the post-primary team category and the overall prize for the best food-themed video.
Wexford was well represented amongst the winners with Selskar College, Wexford’s entry ‘Our Gardening Journey’ awarded second prize in the post-primary team category and the post-primary creativity prize.
Bunscoil na Cathrach, Cahir, Tipperary’s entry ‘Different Growing Environments’ won first prize in the Primary School Team category, while Mercy School, Wexford’s entry ‘An Gháirdín Glas’ won second prize in the primary school team category. The talented bunch from Mercy School created a video showcasing their magical school garden, which is a haven for bees and butterflies and an oasis of calm for all of the school community. One of the first schools to receive a Green Flag award back in 2001, Mercy School worked tirelessly over the years along with members of the community to implement several green initiatives.
"It's been a pleasure to work with such dedicated and creative young people showcasing their ingenuity, imagination, and passion for horticulture with this project. Their success is a testament to our school’s commitment to driving positive change in environmental stewardship.”
Kevin Barry, facilitating teacher at Selskar College
A showcase for creativity and knowledge
Programme director of the SETU BSC in Horticulture in Waterford, Dr Cara Daly commended the students and school communities for their entries. “The #WeLoveHort Video Competition received entries from across Ireland, highlighting the widespread interest and talent in horticulture among the young population. The competition proved fierce, showcasing a high calibre of creativity and knowledge. This event not only celebrated the participants' dedication and passion but also emphasised the importance of horticulture in education and sustainability. Congratulations to all the winners,” Dr Daly said.
Delighted with the Selskar College team’s achievement, Kevin Barry facilitating teacher said. “I am very proud of Matthew, Panthea, and Abigail on this well-deserved achievement. It's been a pleasure to work with such dedicated and creative young people showcasing their ingenuity, imagination, and passion for horticulture with this project. Their success is a testament to our school’s commitment to driving positive change in environmental stewardship.”
Mick Weafer, Selskar College Principal, was proud to see students from Selskar College experience success in the competition. “With the support of staff, in particular, Assistant Principal Mr Barry, who is responsible for sustainability at Selskar College, students grasped this fantastic opportunity to showcase the school’s commitment to innovation and green excellence,” Mr Weafer said. He went on to highlight that Selskar’s commitment to excellence in education and fostering creativity continues to bear fruit, inspiring a greener, more sustainable future.
The WeLoveHort Video Competition aimed to foster an appreciation of horticulture, plants, and biodiversity and to encourage educational and creative exploration of the natural world through gardening, with the overall aim to contribute to environmental awareness and stewardship among the youth.
Winning videos, along with information about horticulture degrees offered by SETU, can be found on the SETU website.
Image: Selskar College students Panthea Morrisey, Abigail Kehoe, and Matthew O’Neill with their teacher Kevin Barry