St. John’s, Antigua, Tuesday 21st May, 2024 – On Friday 17th May, students who emerged winners in the inaugural Dutch Lady National Essay Competition were recognized in an award ceremony which took place at the Villa Community Center. Nine (9) students who represented first to third place winners in three categories: 6-9 years, 10-13 years and 14-17 years were awarded. Each placed student received a certificate of achievement along with various prizes to include a laptop, tablets, smart watch, amazon gift card, an educational package and so on.
Additionally, nine students were recognized as honourable mentions, a category created due to how well written their essays were, also displaying some elements creativity. These students received a certificate of participation and a Dutch Lady goodie bag for their efforts.
The winners and respective schools are as follows:
Category: 6-9 years
Category: 10-13 years
1st Alvina Morris
1st Analah Williams
Old Road Primary
St. Nicholas Primary School
Category: 14-17 years
1st Sa’Kayah Leadette
Baptist Secondary School
2nd Faith Chambers
2nd Iyema Laviscount
2nd Jade Joseph
Greenbay Primary School
3rd Rui Jenkins
St. Nicholas Primary School
T.N. Kirnon School
3rd Keira Weekes
St. Nicholas Primary School
Sir Novelle Richards Academy
3rd Cueisha Phillip
Christ the King High School
Both, Dr. Desryn Collins, the Education Officer for Language Arts within the Ministry of Education, Sports and Creative Industries, and Mr. Germaine Serieux, Commercial and Marketing Manager, Anjo Wholesale – Dutch Lady Milk Distributor agreed that they were very pleased with the performance of the students and the excellent quality
of essays that were written on the theme: Keeping the Globe Green. Mr. Serieux, who is responsible for initiating the competition and selecting the theme, said, “The issue of climate change is a critical one and the Dutch Lady brand is committed to continuing its sustainable practices and helping consumers to be informed so that they can make responsible choices.”
A total of seventy-six students participated in the Dutch Lady National Essay Competition from fourteen schools.
The objectives of the competition were to encourage students to apply their writing, research and critical thinking skills, build their confidence and bring up a cadre of young writers poised to tackle key issues. This competition also sought to ensure that the input of these young voices created an impact by being a part of the very important conversation on climate change.
Dutch Lady, Anjo Wholesale Distributors and the Ministry of Education, Sports and Creative Industries extend thanks to all the participating students and schools for submitting compositions and convey hearty congratulations to all the students who emerged winners in the competition and their respective schools.
