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The talents of Westmeath’s Gaelscoil an Choillín pupil Kaitlyn Nunkoo have been recognised nationally as she was crowned the overall winner of Bright Eyes – a countrywide renewable energy education and art initiative powered by Ohk energy.
Chosen from almost 1,000 entries, Kaitlyn’s drawing stood out for its originality, message, and attention to detail. She was awarded a solar panel system for her home, while her school received a full PE kit as part of the prize.
“I saw a robot in a movie and decided to draw one like it for the competition,” said Kaitlyn. “My mum encouraged me to add a background, and I draw all the time – especially flowers and nature.”
A talented violinist as well as artist, the 10-year-old’s win was celebrated by Gaelscoil an Choillín. Leas-Phríomhoide Trína Ní Nualláin said, “We were absolutely blown away by Kaitlyn’s achievement. She’s extremely talented and has given our school an incredible gift. It’s like Santy arrived — we’ve received sports equipment, rugby balls, beanbags, and more. We’ll put it all to great use.”
The Bright Eyes: Deep Roots, Bright Future programme, launched this year by Ohk energy, brought renewable energy education to over 100 primary schools across Ireland. Through interactive workshops and creative competitions, the initiative aimed to spark curiosity and empower the next generation to think about sustainability.
“Ohk energy is committed to building a cleaner, more sustainable Ireland, and we know real change begins with education,” said Ryan Keane, Events Manager at Ohk energy. “From wind powered dragons to solar superheroes, the level of creativity and enthusiasm we saw was phenomenal. Every classroom was buzzing with energy.”
Gaelscoil an Choillín was one of the many green schools to take part. “We applied to have Ryan visit our pupils and were thrilled to be selected,” said Trína. “As a green school, energy conservation is central to our ethos. All the children were enthusiastic, and we were stunned when Kaitlyn won both the regional and national finals.”
Other national winners included Emily McMahon from Drumoghill NS, Donegal (2nd place – €500 holiday voucher), pictured above, and Darragh Sutton Wyse from St. Declan’s NS, Waterford (3rd place – €200 Emerald Park voucher) pictured below.
The 4th place national winner, pictured below, is Zahra Mirzay from Presentation Primary, Limerick (€200 Emerald Park voucher).
The top four schools each received full PE kits.
Ohk energy, one of Ireland’s leading renewable energy companies, provides solar PV systems, heat pumps, EV chargers, and retrofit solutions for homes, farms, and businesses. Their mission is to help communities save energy, reduce carbon emissions, and protect the planet for future generations.
Now enrolling for next year – limited spaces available. Schools interested in taking part in next year’s Bright Eyes programme can register interest by emailing: [email protected].
