Carrick Academy teacher invited to Buckingham Palace

A Carrick Academy art teacher was invited to Buckingham Palace in recognition of her contribution to the education of young people about World War I.
Carrick Academy art teacher Mrs. S Long was invited to Buckingham Palace.Carrick Academy art teacher Mrs. S Long was invited to Buckingham Palace.
Carrick Academy art teacher Mrs. S Long was invited to Buckingham Palace.

Mrs. S Long had entered pupils in an art competition organised by the ‘Never Such Innocence’ charity.

The charity was founded by Lady Lucy French to “ensure young people understand the complexities of war and the vital importance of the sacrifices our forces made 100 years ago”.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Approximately 150 children attending Carrickfergus Academy now in years nine, ten and 11 entered an art competition to commemorate the sacrifices made by the navy, army and air force during the First World War.

Carrick Academy was represented at Carrick's Remembrance service.Carrick Academy was represented at Carrick's Remembrance service.
Carrick Academy was represented at Carrick's Remembrance service.

All pupils were awarded with a certificate and 30 were invited to attend the HMS Caroline last June to visit the warship, learn of its contribution during the war for a certificate presentation ceremony and a book on the First World War at a ceremony attended by several dignitaries including the Queen’s Lieutenant.

On November 7, Mrs Long was delighted to receive the invitation as thanks to some of the teachers who ‘Never Such Innocence’ recognised as making an important contribution to educating pupils about the First World War.

This involved learning of sacrifices made by men, women and animals to fight for freedom and peace for future generations. The work entered was from all over the world and appreciation was given by Vice Admiral Sir Tim Lawrence.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

After the finale event held in the throne room, the attendees were invited to afternoon tea in the Portrait Gallery in Buckingham Palace.

Mrs Long said that she was “honoured to represent our Carrickfergus Academy pupils”.

“It was lovely to be able to represent our pupils at an event where there were 7,000 entries across the globe from all the Commonwealth countries and beyond,” she added.

“It was a memory I will always treasure, and it was all thanks to our talented pupils, some of whose families had strong connections to the armed forces.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The school will continue their relationship with ‘Never Such Innocence’ which endeavours to keep the First and Second World War history alive through art, poetry and music and connected to today’s young people that the heroic acts of those all involved are never forgotten. “

The school was represented at the recent Remembrance Day parade in Carrick.