Cork student wins national gas safety competition
Hayleigh Merlehan from 6th class in Scoil Aiséirí Chríost Farranree, won a nationwide poster competition to raise awareness of carbon monoxide and the dangers that it can pose in our homes.
Earlier this year, Gas Networks Ireland, in partnership with Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI), called for entries to its carbon monoxide safety poster competition. Students who completed the Energize Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) educational programme were eligible to enter.
The competition received hundreds of amazing entries from all over Ireland, but it was Hayleigh’s poster, "Beware of carbon monoxide” that was deemed the winner. Hayleigh was presented with an iPad by Gas Networks Ireland for use in her school classroom.
Gas Networks Ireland’s Managing Director, Denis O’Sullivan, said:
"As science, technology, engineering and maths expertise is at the centre of our business, we’re big supporters of STEM education. Congratulations to Hayleigh and all in Scoil Aiséirí Chríost for winning the Term 1 Energize poster competition.”
"We’re delighted that 3,390 students from 112 schools nationwide engaged with Energize last year. Most importantly, more students are now aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide and will be able to spot the warning signs in the future."
The Energize programme delivers science to primary school students around Ireland through practical and engaging lessons to cultivate interest in the subject so students continue with it to second level education. Carbon monoxide awareness is an important element of the programme.
Due to Covid-19 related restrictions, JAI, which recently marked 10 years in partnership with Gas Networks Ireland, now runs its successful STEM education programme, Energize, online. The resources from the programme are also available free to download at www.jai.ie to support learning at home.
Hayleigh’s teacher, Tara O’Sullivan said:
"My class thoroughly enjoyed the Energize programme which brought science to life through fun and interactive sessions reflecting the curriculum. The programme was delivered by Catherine Sheridan, Christina van der Kamp and Sarah Coveney from Ervia and Gas Networks Ireland who enabled pupils to understand career possibilities in STEM areas and encouraged them to continue with science in second-level education.
"We are delighted Hayleigh has won this award. All our sixth-class pupils engaged in the poster competition and grasped the important safety message with wonderful creativity. Along with JAI who run the Energize Programme and Gas Networks Ireland who support it, I would also like to especially thank Catherine, Christina and Sarah.”
To have Energize delivered in your school, please contact JAI at info@jai.ie.