Cookstown ‘Eco Warriors’ scoop top award for most inspiring project

Holy Trinity Eco Warriors receiving their Sustainable Ireland Award 2014 for the Most Inspiring Environmental Project by Young Person/Persons, at the Ramada Plaza Hotel Belfast

School representatives were presented with the much coveted award, sponsored by Michelin, at a glittering ceremony at the Ramada Hotel in Belfast.

An independent panel of judges were impressed by the school’s Eco Warriors group of students who came together just over three years ago to promote all things sustainable and environmental.

The awards ceremony heard that as winners, “this closely knit team of students has made a significant impact over the past couple of years, developing award winning environmental projects helping not only their school to become more eco friendly, but also encouraging the surrounding communities to become more environmentally aware.”

The group has tackled a number of different projects covering areas such as biodiversity, energy, litter, climate change and waste.

The students have also have helped the school to secure the RSPB Wildlife Action Awards Gold certificate, only the second secondary school in Northern Ireland to receive this award at that time.

They have also represented the school as part of the BBC Schools project, producing videos on environmental issues and are currently acting as a Peer Advisory Group on a project into sustainable citizenship.