The awards are presented annually by the North American Manx Association (NAMA) for outstanding achievement by young people on the Isle of Man. They are arranged in five categories and, for each category, a silver medal is specially minted.
 
The awards, run by the Department of Education and Children, mostly recognise the achievements of 18s and under. However, two awards are open to older recipients.
 
The categories are:
 
          1.       Manx music 
          2.       Art and crafts that portray any aspect of Manx life or culture
          3.       Manx language
          4.       Outstanding contribution to Manx culture
                   (a)      By a student under the age of 18   
(b)     By a student over the age of 18
(c)      By a group of young people under the age of 25
5.       (a)      Outstanding contribution to the Manx community in general
                   (b)     Overcoming disability.
         
Nomination forms can be downloaded via
www.gov.im/media/1110944/namaentryform.pdf  or requested by ringing Mrs MeShell Berry on 01624 693830.
 
Nominations should be sent to Mrs Berry at:
 
Department of Education and Children
Professional Development Centre
School Lane
Santon
IM4 1EG
by Friday 30th May 2014.
 
Jody Morey, President of the North American Manx Association, will present the awards at the Barrool Suite in the Legislative Buildings on Friday 4th July. Ms Morey’s great grandfather, John Beck, was from Laxey and emigrated to America in 1864 with his brother, Thomas.  Ms Morey will complete her two-year term as President at the conclusion of NAMA’s 2014 convention, which is being held on the Isle of Man from 3rd to 7th July.
 
Ms Morey said: ‘NAMA considers the awarding of the education medals a great tradition to carry on. We hope that it will give the awardees a sense of accomplishment and will inspire others to excel in their school and community. Youth today will be our leaders tomorrow. NAMA hopes to always be connected to education in the Isle of Man.’