Mairi and Luke are recognised for achievement and contribution

After a year’s absence caused by Covid restrictions, the Donald Stewart Memorial Trust has announced the winners of its two prestigious 2022 awards.

 

"attachment_760120" "" "300"] The Award for Outstanding Achievement was presented to Mairi MacIain by comhairle leader Councillor Paul Steele.

 

Mairi MacIain, a sixth year pupil in Sgoil Lionacleit won the Award for Outstanding Achievement and Luke Macleod, a sixth year pupil in The Nicolson Institute, took the Award for Significant Contribution to Gaelic Development.

 

Mairi, the trustees said, was a highly motivated and committed individual who had worked tirelessly to gain excellent academic qualifications during her time in Sgoil Lionacleit.

 

This was backed up with her achievement in getting five As in an academic year which was subject to huge disruption and uncertainty. Mairi has also completed the course work for Advanced Higher Maths and Physics.

 

But what most impressed the trustees was Mairi’s achievement in gaining a CREST award, a nationally-recognised award for student-led project work in STEM subjects.

 

Mairi worked with a local research scientist in North Uist to gain experience in using data in real world applications.

 

Gordon Young, headteacher at Sgoil Lionacleit, said: 'Mairi is personable and enthusiastic about everything she does and has been a model student during her time at Sgoil Lionacleit.

 

'Her academic qualifications speak for themselves and Mairi is a fluent Gaelic speaker, who will go on to become a real ambassador for Gaelic Medium Education.

 

'I speak for all at Sgoil Lionacleit in saying that we wish her well as she moves on to the next stage of her academic journey.'

 

In selecting Luke as winner of the Award for Significant Contribution to Gaelic Development, the trustees, who select the winners of both awards, were delighted to learn that Luke had been an excellent ambassador for Gaelic both within the school and also in the wider community.

 

His participation in the Mods, Deasbad Gàidhlig Nàiseanta nan Àrd-sgoiltean and Café Beartais were also commended.

 

They also enjoyed learning of his work in producing a P7/S1 transition video for pupils and parents and also a Gaelic video for the Leanne Fund and FilmG.

 

Luke’s leadership qualities and skills include supporting others in school, and in particular, working weekly with the GME class and also helping with Seachdain na Gàidhlig activities.

 

He also participated in a Bòrd na Gàidhlig focus group considering the draft National Gaelic Plan consultation.

 

Fiona Cunningham, from The Nicolson Institute, said: 'Luke has been educated through GME for his entire school education.

 

'At every opportunity Luke has used his Gaelic in a productive manner, involving himself in events and initiatives within and outwith his school.

 

'Coming from a home where Gaelic is not the first language, this is a notable achievement and his positive attitude towards it has made him an excellent role model.'

 

Photographs

 

The award for Significant Contribution to Gaelic Development was presented to Luke Macleod by Comhairle na Eilean Siar convener Councillor Kenny Macleod. NO_F32_DSMTAward_Luke Macleod and Convener Kenny Macleod

 

The Award for Outstanding Achievement was presented to Mairi MacIain by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar leader Councillor Paul Steele. NO_F32_DSMTAward_Mairi MacIain and Comhairle Leader Paul Steele