Congratulations to Breesha, Sam and CRHS team Elev8, for their success at the North American Manx Awards 2025. Founded in 1978, the annual event celebrates the exceptional efforts of young people in preserving and promoting Manx heritage.
Breesha won the award for outstanding achievement in textiles (Arts and Crafts category). Currently studying A Level Textiles after achieving an A* at GCSE, this is Breesha's second textile work showing her distinctive style - organic shapes and flowing forms rooted in nature and Manx identity. A 2024 finalist in the Sovereign Art Foundation competition, her latest piece, inspired by Archibald Knox and Art Nouveau, blends Celtic motifs, natural elements, and fluid design. The mixed media outfit includes a corset top and flowing pleated skirt featuring reverse appliqué, freehand and hand embroidery, silk painting, various print techniques, and CAD using a laser cutter and computerised sewing machine. Her colour choices reflect the influence of Gustav Klimt and Knox, while expressing her own creative voice as a young Manx artist.
Sam won the award for excellence in Manx music and performed on violin at the ceremony. He has been a key member of the CRHS Folk Group since 2018 and heavily involved in the school’s music department. He regularly leads the folk group, selects and arranges pieces, and writes original counter melodies. He won first place in the Folk Awards duets and groups (2022, 2024), second in groups (2025), and contributed to the group’s ‘Folktastic’ award in 2024. A versatile musician, Sam performs as a soloist, leads both folk and string groups, accompanies singers on piano, and plays saxophone in the Wind and Big Bands. As first chair violinist, he has lead the Manx Youth Orchestra, performing locally and in the Netherlands, and brought Manx folk music to South Korea during the World Scout Camp. He holds Grade 5 in violin, piano, and music theory, and earned an A in GCSE Music for his original composition.
CRHS team 'Elev8’ - Ella, Lewis, Breesha, Ruby and Lily-Rose, won the Manx Community Award for their innovative platform 'Gate2Plate' developed as part of the Junior Achievement company programme. Gate2Plate aimed to connect islanders with local farmers and artisans, to ensure fresh local produce is always accessible.
We are thrilled to see Sam, Breesha and team Elev8 recognised at the North American Manx Awards. They all embody the school’s Head, Heart, and Hands philosophy—using their intellect (Head), passion (Heart), and practical skills (Hands) to make meaningful contributions to Manx culture through their creative, entrepreneurial and musical achievements. Well done!