On 26 May, what was Baroness May Blood's birthday, we reflect on the legacy of our late supporter and friend. To honour this legacy, we celebrate this year's recipients of the Baroness May Blood Award for Community Activism.
On 26 May 2025, what was Baroness May Blood’s birthday, we reflect on the legacy of our late supporter and friend.
“My passion for the past 20 years has been Integrated Education. The work that the community relations people are doing, and the work that the people in Integrated Education are doing – is the vital work. We are building a foundation for a better Northern Ireland. We want to change Northern Ireland and Integrated Education is certainly moving in that direction.” Baroness May Blood, 2021.
To honour this legacy, the Baroness May Blood Award for Community Activism launched in 2024 in Integrated schools across Northern Ireland. The award is to be presented annually to a particular pupil, or group of pupils, to acknowledge their contribution and commitment to Community Activism.
The Award is made possible due to the generosity of our friends Alan and Monah Gettner.
Congratulations to all recipients of the Baroness May Blood Award for Community Activism this year.
Tonii, a Year 11 student from Hazelwood Integrated College, goes above and beyond in her local community every week with her involvement in the R-City girls programme.
Tonii volunteers weekly giving up her time to mentor younger students, while also completing a qualification in youth leadership.
Tonii models the integrated ethos on a daily basis and is an excellent young leader.
Tonii’s commitment to mentoring younger students, organizing engaging activities, and creating a safe, supportive environment will have a lasting impact.
Through Tonii’s leadership and compassion, she has become a role model for peers and younger members.
Congratulations to the Eco Council at Phoenix Integrated Primary & Nursery School, Cookstown!
The Eco Council received the Baroness May Blood Award for Community Activism after they won ‘The Litter Less Campaign,’ pledging to reduce paper waste in school.
The Eco Council also plant and looks after a wide range of fruit and vegetables on the school grounds. They have taken part in ‘Adopt a Spot’ where they have signed up to take responsibility and care for the environment around them, outside of the school, which included completing a litter pick. Year 7 members of the Eco Council have helped deliver the ‘Climate Calm’ programme which tackles the issue of Global Warming in a fun, effective way.
The winners of the Baroness May Blood Award for Community Activism in Forge IPS are the P7 PATHS Ambassadors: Esmé, Norah, Kihanna, Frida and Dion.
Since stepping into their roles as Friendship Group ambassadors in P5, these pupils have shown unwavering dedication to the PATHS programme at Forge IPS. Their enthusiasm has shone through in every aspect of their involvement—from presenting confidently at open evenings to leading the PATHS quote of the month initiative.
This year, they took their commitment even further by becoming PATHS Pals in the playground. Each ambassador thoughtfully interviewed for the role, sharing how they could make a difference. They now support younger pupils by encouraging inclusive play, leading PATHS games they’ve carefully selected, and modeling positive strategies to help others navigate social situations.
Their presence has become an invaluable part of our school community. Their leadership, kindness, and commitment to the PATHS values are truly inspiring.
Rhianna joined Integrated College Dungannon for 6th form and in her two years she has left a lasting impression. She has always had a clear idea of following a pathway to helping young children grow, develop and achieve. Her desire to help others across our community, and further afield, is very evident in her determination and tenacity. She has been paramount in organising and leading many charity events both in and out of College including Children in Need and Air Ambulance events. Rhianna completed work experience in Aughnacloy Primary School and then Sperrinview Special School. She found her second placement particularly fulfilling and as a result volunteered to assist with their summer scheme. The school were so impressed with Rhianna's determination to help both staff and students, regardless of their needs, that they were only to happy to allow her to continue assisting throughout her upper sixth year. Rhianna has balanced her studies with her dedication to the staff and students at Sperrinview as well as completing mentor training and becoming a mentor to a number of our own students helping to develop their literacy skills.
IC Dungannon wish Rhianna every success as she continues her studies in Early Years Education and know she will be an integral part of the education system in years to come.
Gurbani received the Baroness May Blood Award for Community Activism for her outstanding dedication to promoting integration, inclusivity and cultural pride within the school community.
As a key figure in the bilingual centre, she goes above and beyond to support newly arrived students, helping them adjust to their new surroundings both academically and socially. She has championed many initiatives that celebrated diversity and played a pivotal role in the request for school-wide cultural celebrations. Her leadership during culture week brought together students of all ages and backgrounds to share their traditions, languages, and stories, fostering a deeper understanding of the rich diversity in Malone. Gurbani is always willing to offer help and support to both students and staff, and consistently volunteers her time during school events and charity initiatives. Her generosity, leadership and unwavering support for our school community have left a lasting impact, inspiring others to embrace and celebrate their cultural identities.
Ava is one of Cedar IPS’s P7 Netball players. Ava took on her own netball challenge of scoring 100 goals each day for a month with her own netball nets at home. Ava has raised an incredible £1,026.00 for the homeless charity, The Welcome Organisation. Ava was awarded the Baroness May Blood Award for this great achievement.
Daniel in Year 14 was awarded the Baroness May Blood Award for Community Activism award to recognise the contribution that he has made to the local community following his participation in the Gilbert Sister Cities Youth Ambassador Programme. This Programme involved an exchange trip to Gilbert Arizona and then hosting a young ambassador from Gilbert to introduce them to our local customs and culture. Since his return home, Daniel has been involved with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council in encouraging applications for the 2024-25 programme and helping at information sessions.
IC Glengormley is incredibly proud of Daniel and his achievements. In school Daniel was a valuable Senior Prefect who volunteered to regularly coach at extra-curricular Rugby, lunch time clubs and lead at annual events, for example P7 Day and Open Night.
The recipient of the Baroness May Blood Award Award for Community Activism is Amy. Amy who took a leading role in our College Intergenerational Project during last academic year. In addition to Amy studying A Levels in Health & Social Care, Drama and Business Studies, she led the intergenerational partnership project with Seapatrick Care home devoting much of her time to developing a meaningful project between students and residents on creating a timeline of their life experiences. As a member of the Sixth Form Intergenerational Strategy group, Amy was also instrumental in the planning and the organisation of the Intergenerational Christmas dinner in December for members of the local community, grandparents and Seapatrick Care home residents. It is not surprising that Amy is now studying Adult Nursing at Queen’s University.
