Scottish Catholic Observer

Pupils from Notre Dame High School in Glasgow have received top marks in a secondary school art and design competition.

Notre Dame High pupil Keira Channar (above) came first in the St Enoch Centre’s It’s My Greener Glasgow competition’s design category with an iPhone case created from recycled Irn Bru cans. The model was praised by judges as a ‘direct and achievable, everyday proposal and [it is] great to see the actual object resolved in 3D.’

Maryam Al Hamadani, also a student at Notre Dame High School, took third place in the design category with her wi-fi tree idea, which suggested planting trees to transmit wi-fi signals.

Keira was awarded £150 in vouchers to be spent at St Enoch Centre while Notre Dame High School was granted a cheque of £500 for supporting its students throughout the project. Maryam won vouchers worth £50.

It’s My Greener Glasgow aims to foster creativity amongst Glasgow schools, whilst reinforcing the environmental issues that affect the city now and in the future.

The competition attracted over 100 entries from six secondary schools. Submissions went on display at the end of June in a specially constructed gallery within St Enoch Centre. Organisers said the exhibition had been an incredible success with shoppers casting thousands of votes for their favourite entries.

The entries were judged by an expert panel which included renowned Scottish painter Avril Paton, acclaimed sculptor Kenny Hunter, STV’s weather presenter and environmentalist Sean Batty and art critic for the Herald Jan Patience.

Anne Ledgerwood, St Enoch Centre general manager, said: “Selecting winners was difficult because of the high standard of work but our judging panel agreed that Ola’s beautiful artwork stood out due to its fantastic detail and well considered green message. Keira’s Irn Bru iPhone case also impressed us.”