Stubbs Gov’t wins Courts OECS Reading Competition

Kaylee Robertson, of the Stubbs Government School, has this year walked away with the top spot in the Courts OECS Reading Competition, and will represent St Vincent and the Grenadines at the regional finals next month.

The competition took place last Friday, October 14, at the Peace Memorial Hall, and saw seven young hopefuls putting their reading skills to the test.{{more}}

In addition to a winner’s plaque, Kaylee received EC$2,000, a trip to St Kitts/Nevis to represent SVG in the regional finals, a smartphone from FLOW, a Kindle HD Fire from Searchlight Newspaper, a laptop, and the opportunity to read the news on SVGTV.

Stubbs Government School will also receive $2,000.

Second place was taken by Kaige Cruickshank, who represented the Kingstown Preparatory School. She won a trophy, $750, a smartphone from FLOW, and the opportunity to read the news on NBC Radio 705.

Azaria Commissiong, of the Windsor Primary School, took third place – which in addition to a trophy included $500, a phablet from Courts SVG Ltd, and the opportunity to read the news on WE FM.

The competition was judged in two categories – reading of the narrative and reading of the news item. The reading of the narrative was won by Kaylee Robertson (Stubbs Government), and the reading of the news item was won by Kaige Cruickshank (Kingstown Preparatory).

The panel of judges was headed by Andrew Bramble, and also included Pearlina Marks, Amanda David and Lynette Roberts.

Bramble said that in tallying up the scores, the competition was “very tight”. He also lauded all the participants for their efforts – describing them as being of “an extremely high standard”.

Manager of Courts SVG Ltd Michele Samuel, in opening remarks, said that the company is committed to the annual reading competition because it takes its corporate social responsibility “very seriously”.

Samuel also urged parents to encourage their children to read and comprehend, as it is a skill that will serve them well throughout their educational careers and beyond.

Senior education officer (primary schools) Yvette Antoine delivered brief remarks, congratulating all the competitors for making it to the final round.

She highlighted the importance of reading to the students, and thanked the teachers for their hard work and dedication in preparing the finalists for the competition.

“We are hoping one of you will come back with the regional trophy!”

The other competitors were Leah Millington, of the Spring Village Methodist School; Jonniel Stowe, of the Lodge Village Government School; Arianna Sterling, of the Mary Hutchinson Primary School; and Nyema Richardson, of the Belair Government School. (JSV)