13 November 2013 | Comments
Every year, the Commonwealth Essay Competition encourages and inspires young writers to submit their stories from all over the world. This year was a record breaking year for the competition with entries exceeding 11,000 and over 70 judges involved in selection.
The competition, free and open to Commonwealth citizens worldwide aged 18 or under, offers the opportunity for young people to get their voices heard. All winners and special commendations of Gold, Silver and Bronze receive certificates before the end of 2013.
This morning (13 November) at Harford School a certificate presentation was held for student David Owen (now attending Prince Andrew School). David was awarded Gold for his tale ‘Quick Thinking Saved the Day’.
Head Teacher Carlene Crowie commented that David’s story was in the top 150 entries from a total of 11,000 across the Commonwealth and the only child from St Helena in this year’s competition to achieve this award – making it even more special.
Colin Moore, Director of Education and Employment, commented on David’s success:
“It’s an absolutely fantastic story. On behalf of Harford we would like to say how proud we are of you and how pleased we are for you and I think there are a few children in the audience this morning who would also like to have a golden certificate one day as well.”
David spoke of his inspiration for the story:
“I was reading this book, where this guy was going to this night club and he was dressing up as a vampire slayer with electric blue hair and it described him as very skinny and I suppose that’s where I got my inspiration from for the skeleton figures.”
Carlene gave further thanks to David’s previous teachers Ethel Benjamin (sadly no longer with us) and Marilyn Joshua, who helped him progress into a winning storyteller.
SHG
13 November 2013
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