PRESS RELEASE – MICHELLE N. Samuel is a St. Lucian writer selected by the RCS to serve as a judge for the 2018 Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition.
She says: “I have always loved writing and participating in competitions. I have taken part in several of them in my lifetime, many of which, I did win. I am also a published poet.
“When I attended the Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School, my English and Literature teachers encouraged all the students to enter an essay competition. That year, my best friend at the time, Vanessa Moise emerged as the top place winner in the school, and the overall winner in the competition! I was so excited for her. She was presented with her certificate during assembly.”
“Now, so many years later, I am appealing to the Principals and teachers of our schools to be just as supportive and encourage their students to participate in the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition.
“Being able to serve in the capacity of a judge in this competition, is a great honour, and I look forward to reading the pieces of written and drawn art that our young people today have to share with the reading world.”
“I will be documenting my judging experience using videos and articles. I will be recording how I prepare myself to review the submissions and the mood that they evoke after reviewing them.
“This will be an interesting way to assess how effective the submissions of the young participating students are. I assure everyone, however, that I will not be revealing any information about the submissions themselves or their authors, as that would be against protocol. “
“Last week, St. Lucia came out on top in the Courts Regional Reading Competition with Pearl Cornibert, a Grade 5 student of the Eucharist Lewis SDA Primary School.
“My daughter, Kishelle Auguste was the runner-up behind Pearl Cornibert, in the Courts Reading Competition at the National level.
“I am very proud of both these students and I know that they both have what it takes to do well and even win, if they participate in the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition.”
“It’s important though, for all the participating students, teachers and schools to read the terms and conditions before submitting the writings.
“To enter the competition and submit entries, all students/teachers/parents/guardians and schools are to do so online as the deadline is Friday June 1st 2018 before midnight (GMT) or 8 PM (AST).”
“I am aware that some of our students are currently engaged in the Minimum Standards exams, but I know that some of them will be able to produce exceptional submissions to address this year’s theme ‘Towards a Common Future’.”
“Through the sub-themes of sustainability, safety, prosperity and fairness, participating students can explore how the Commonwealth can address global challenges and work to create a better future for all citizens, particularly young people.” (SLUDTERA)