Young achievers who make a valuable contribution to Manx culture and society have been honoured by the North American Association (NAMA).

Each year, NAMA presents awards to youngsters nominated for their creativity, community involvement and commitment to learning.

Judges were Aimee Corlett, president of the World Manx Association, Anne Minay, life member of NAMA, and Professor Ronald Barr, chief executive of the Department of Education and Children.

Education Minister Graham Cregeen MHK said: ’The island’s young people continually demonstrate their talent, hard work and willingness to help others. The young people rewarded here today are a credit to Manx society.’

The winners - who received specially minted silver medallions from NAMA life member David Holmes - were:

Outstanding achievement in Manx music was awarded to Ramsey Grammar School student Mera Royle.

Mera, 17, is an accomplished harpist and violinist, Mera has performed both as a soloist and in ensembles across the island and in the UK.

Performing with Scran (part of the Bree Manx music group), Mera came second in ’The Next Big Thing’ competition at the Gaiety Theatre.

She has been heard on Manx Radio and has participated in the National Theatre Competition.

Outstanding achievement in arts and crafts was awarded to Ferghus Doyle, 18, of University College Isle of Man (UCM).

Ferghus undertook a photo-journalism project into the island’s lifestyle and history, interviewing and photograping the Speaker of the House of Keys, the First Deemster, farmers and families who have moved to the island.

Outstanding achievement in Manx language went to Harry Hewson, 17, of Queen Elizabeth II High School.

The former Bunscoill Ghaelgagh pupil is proficient in Manx Gaelic and has continued to study several subjects using Manx and is taking Manx as one of his A levels.

Harry has assisted with Club Spoyrt, which gives Manx speakers the opportunity to practise sport after school through the Manx language. He is also involved in the Mollag Band and has helped translate an Asterix story into Manx.

Outstanding contribution to Manx culture by a student under 18 was awarded to Chloe Irving, 17, of QEII.

Chloe, a percussionist, is a member of the Rushen Silver Band and she is a founding member of her school’s wind band and has been key to recent successes, including a prize-winning performance at the Manx Music Festival.

She takes a leading role in running the school’s ukulele orchestra. This month she’ll represent the Isle of Man at a Junior Achievement challenge in Brussels.

Outstanding achievement in the Manx community went to Summer Patrick, 18, of St Ninian’s High School

She has worked with St John Ambulance for many years and helps to deliver first aid training. She helps provide first aid cover at events.

She has been St John Ambulance Cadet of the Year and was one of the young people chosen to be a Lieutenant Governor’s Cadet.

Young Manx dance group Skeddan Jiarg, led by Grainne Joughin, won the award for outstanding contribution to Manx culture by a group under the age of 25.

The group have performed at various community events and festivals: Cwlwm Celtaidd (Wales), Yn Chruinnaght Celtfest, Shennaghys Jiu, the Celtic Congress and Cyclefest.

This autumn, the group will represent the Isle of Man at Celtic festival Lowender Peran in Cornwall.

The group is working with Culture Vannin and the DEC to create online Manx dancing video tutorials to inspire more to learn Manx dancing.

Outstanding contribution to the Manx community in general was awarded to Sophie McKnight, 15, of Ballakermeen High School

She helped establish BallaAngels, a charity that encourages students to write poems for residents of a nursing home.

Sophie helps run social activities at Castle View Nursing Home, assists the elderly with their shopping, has taught herself sign language, has applied to attend a sign language course to further develop these skills and has completed an online course to be able to work as a befriender for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Sophie also coaches Douglas Athletics’ children’s football team, sells poppies for the British Legion and is a member of the Army Cadets.

Outstanding contribution to the Manx Community - overcoming a disability: David Smith, 21, University College Isle of Man.

David, who has autism, has completed the Duke of Edinburgh Award at bronze and silver level through UCM and is working towards gold. As part of the award, he completed 72 hours’ volunteering in the community, 72 hours’ playing a sport, 48 hours’ skilful activity and two expeditions.

Laurence Skelly MHK, a past president of NAMA, presented the award for the most progress in Manx to Joseph Reaney, 15, of Ballakermeen High School.

Joseph was chosen by DEC Manx language officer Rob Teare.

Tynwald president Steve Rodan MLC gave the vote of thanks.