Young people who make an invaluable contribution to Manx culture and life were honoured by the North American Manx Association (NAMA).
Awards are presented annually to under 25-year-olds who have excelled in their field.
The awards ceremony was held on Friday, with the winners receiving a specially minted silver medallion from NAMA president Jody Morey.
Her great grandfather, John Beck, was from Laxey and emigrated to America in 1864.
Tynwald president Clare Christian said: ‘Once again these young people have demonstrated their passion for Manx culture and their community.
‘Their creativity abilities and community spirit are developing the ideals of these awards and making our traditional culture relevant in the 21st century.
‘Our thanks are due to all those who encourage and mentor them in their endeavours, not least the North American Manx Association, which has donated the medals for winners in each category.
‘We are delighted that its president Jody Morey, has come all this way to present the awards to the winners.’
World Manx Association president Peter Kelly and Stuart Dobson, chief executive of the Department of Education and Children, judged nominations.
Daniel Ntuibane, aged 16, of Ramsey Grammar School, was the winner of the music category.
The music all-rounder joined Mike Boulton’s Share Na Veg group while at Albert Road Junior School and also belongs to the Manx Youth Orchestra and its ‘wind’ branch; Bee Er Dty Hwoaie and Cliogaree Twoaie. A song he wrote won the Manx original song category of the Arrane Son Mannin competition was runner-up in the Pan Celtic Competition.
Ballakermeen High School student Rachael Williams, aged 15, spent two years designing and making a memory quilt which will become a family heirloom.
She was the winner of the arts and category.
Featuring aspects of Manx life such as landmarks, plants and travel, with a traditional poem at its centre, the quilt demonstrates Rachael’s skills in patchwork, hand-made bobbin lace with ribbon insertion and toy quilting. The Manx language category winner was Queen Elizabeth II High School student Voirrey Bethune.
Voirrey, aged 16, gained an A* at GCSE Manx when she was 12, and is sitting her A-level in Manx this summer.
Ballakermeen High School student Daniel Quayle’s plans to create a Manx soap opera impressed the judges, who awarded him the Manx culture (under 18) award.
As a participant in the Bree traditional music movement, the 15-year-old plays at community events island-wide.
He recently researched the future of Manx language, culture and music for a talk he delivered to the International Celtic Congress, held in Cornwall.
Manx music group Share na Veg, based at Scoill Ree Gorree, were the winners of the Manx culture (group – under 25) award.
Founded and run by Mike Boulton, members practice before school starts and at every break and lunchtime.
The group and its musicians have won numerous prizes at the Manx Music Festival and other competitions and play in the community, at Christmas-time and at the annual coffee morning for the League of Friends of Ramsey Cottage Hospital.
Alice Watson, aged 15, of Queen Elizabeth II High School won the Manx community (general) category
An active member of her school council, Alice helped organise its diamond jubilee carnival day and was among students who met the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall when they visited Peel.
She volunteers at a Red Cross shop, has raised money for Rebecca House children’s hospice, helps out at a farm and has assisted at the Royal Manx Agricultural Show.
Jack Leece, aged 22, of Isle of Man College, and Ben Carey, 15, of Ramsey Grammar School were the joint winners of the Manx community (overcoming disability) award.
Jack is a supported learner at the College, which he attends part-time.
He volunteers at his local church, helps out at a charity shop and carries out charity collections, volunteers at Crossroads’ enterprise scheme, assists Rushen FC, takes part in community events and belongs to various clubs, including the Gateway Theatre Group.
Ben, who has special educational needs, is working towards an entry level maths qualification and is a vital contributor to his school flexible learning unit’s sensory garden.
He attends the Isle of Man College one day a week where he studies cookery and ceramics.
Outside school, he helps out at his father’s business, driving heavy plant, and several farmers have sought his help on their land.
After the snow storm at Easter, he helped his father clear a road from Druidale to Beinn-y-Phott, starting at 4am, shifting 12 foot drifts so farmers could reach their livestock and dragging out a stranded vehicle. Rushen MHK and Manx speaker Phil Gawne presented the awards for the most progress in Manx to Bethan Cannell, of Ramsey Grammar School, and Peter Daniels, of Queen Elizabeth II High School.
