Cornelia Connelly Competition 2026

Written By Therese Furlong

The Cornelia Connelly Competition was hugely successful again this year, with 24 girls submitting 19 entries. As always the standard was exceptional, showing inspiring engagement and reflection on the life and legacy of Cornelia Connelly. 

 Entries included poems, art and craft work, baking and interviews. Each submission included a written reflection on the research, process and personal impact of participating in the competition. 

 All entrants receive a Cornelian Certificate and Tiny Saints Cornelia Keyring. 
Winners and Highly Commended also have their names inscribed on the Cornelia Connelly Honour Board.

 The entries are judged on a number of criteria. These include

Engagement with Cornelia’s message and legacy,

  • Time spent researching and preparing

  • The originality of the entry

  • How the message / medium can help others, particularly how students can learn about Cornelia

  • A Personal reflection on the whole exercise.

 1st Prize:

  • Robyn Summerbell - Cornelia’s Recipe Book

  • Isabel Byrne - Crochet Portrait of Cornelia Connelly

 2nd Prize:

  • Sabine Narzisi - Cornelia’s Message Zine

  • Susanna Rigby and Lara Woods - Cornelia’s Time Capsule

  • Úna Kiigan - A Cornelian Picnic

 Highly Commended:

  • Amber Li and Miu Miu Lin - HCK Plaque

  • Amelia Dunn - House Candle

  • Juliette Morehead- Pebble Art Portrait of Cornelia

  Special Recognition for her entry :

  •  Emilia Stawarz

  •  Caoimhe O’ Kane

  •  Kacy Zhao

  •  Sally Griffith

  •  Beau Costello

  •  Lyla D’Arcy

  •  Francesca Mc Loughlin

  •  Anna Desmond

  •  Laura Li

  •  Ella Wang

  •  Rebecca Murdock

  •  Lucy Plower

  •  Louise Purcell

  •  Amelie Hearne

Therese Furlong
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HCK Candle Ceremony 2026