A new Galway-based initiative for primary schools called the 'Be Inspired This Summer' competition was launched on Monday, May 18 by Mary Ann Fleming, Director of Penn Engineering Europe.
Primary school classes from across the county of Galway are asked to showcase their creativity, empathy, and community spirit for a chance to win a 'phone-free' day of celebration. Supported by PEM - Penn Engineering Galway, the competition aims to reconnect students with their local environment, folklore, and physical well-being. The initiative emphasises STEM learning and active play over social media engagement.
Primary school classes across the city and county of Galway are invited to submit their most inspiring moments from this school year to the 'Be Inspired This Summer' entry page.
The entry criteria are intentionally broad to celebrate all forms of talent. They include Creative Arts - Short stories, school anthems, or collaborative artwork; Civic Action - Horticulture projects, empathy initiatives, guest speakers or community service; Physical Excellence - Sporting achievements, dancing, etc; STEM & Design - Engineering puzzles and innovative problem-solving.
Students are also encouraged to enter the 'Old School' short story competition, a special category supported by renowned Diary of a Wimpy Kid author Jeff Kinney.
To enter, classes simply share their "Inspiring School Moments" at www.inspiringyou.ie
The winning class will host a curated 'Be Inspired' festival day on Thursday, June 11. This three-to-four hour celebration features an eclectic mix of Ireland’s finest mentors and creators, designed to spark imagination before the summer holidays. Featured guests include Mary Ann Fleming, Director of Penn Engineering Europe. Mary Ann will answer questions from the class, discuss her career and the exciting opportunities awaiting future engineers.
The award-winning filmmaker and photographer KamilFilms (Kamil Krolak ) will capture the magic of the day and provide professional class and team photos for your class. Have some fun with Lorcan (Mitchell Music ), a master Drumming Instructor, leading high-energy team-building sessions and Irish sing-song sessions. Marie Greaney of Abbeyknockmoy Set Dancers will get your class dancing to the 'Siege of Ennis' and other traditional dances.
"The competition is a fun way for children to see that the most exciting 'content' isn't on a screen — it’s in the world around them, in nature, sport, music, and stories," says Philip Cribbin, secondary school teacher and founder of 'Inspiring You'.
How to enter
The competition is free to enter and the closing date to enter is Friday, June 5.
Classes can submit links to their websites, social media, or upload a short review of their school year through poetry, photography, song, articles, or artwork at 'Be Inspired This Summer' competition webpage.
The most inspiring entry will be selected, and the winning class will receive a visit from the 'Be Inspired This Summer' team on June 11. The winner will be announced on Monday, June 8.
