(EMU) – St. Kitts, November 14, 2019: Amassing a total of 393 points Rondre Daniel of the Maude Cross Preparatory School in Nevis rose to the occasion when he won the National Courts Competition finals on Wednesday November 13.
Rondre emerged victorious from a field of five competitors from schools around St. Kitts and Nevis who all won in the semi finals in zones around the Federation.
Following closely were Rainer Martin of the Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Second Place with 372 points and Khaleed Warner of the Elizabeth Pemberton Primary School with 264 points. Other national finalists were Juzariah Richardson of the Cayon Primary School and Kaaliyah Peria of the Newton Ground Primary School.
Congratulating the winners, permanent Secretary of Education Mr. William Hodge said he was always very pleased to know that students are pursuing the art of reading with distinction and applauded the contestants for achieving this milestone. Commenting on the Ministry of Education’s strong support of the activity the permanent Secretary said:
SOUNDBITE: “We are really interested in this activity. We value it and we look forward to the regional competition slated for St. Lucia early in 2020.”
The PS said he looked forward to travelling to St. Lucia along with the winner of the reading completion and his supporters as a sign of the real value the ministry places on this particular event.
Country Manager for Courts Trudy Lewis Allen stated that the annual event is now a fixture on the company’s annual calendar.
SOUNDBITE: “We are steadfast in our commitment to foster and champion the development of youth through education here in St. Kitts, Nevis and throughout the region Courts is extremely proud to be part of such an initiative to improve literacy in the OECS.
Participating countries over the years have been Dominica, St. Lucia, Grenada, Antigua, St. Kitts and Nevis and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The Reading finals take place in the country of the last winner.
In order to maintain motivation for participation in this event Courts proudly announced its partners in the venture including Warner’s One Stop, First Caribbean International Bank, Harpers, FLOW and ZIZ Broadcasting Corporation on the local front.
Each participant received a trophy from Warner’s One Stop while the winner received an award of $1500; First runner up $750 ad Second Runner up $500. Other prizes were complimentary packages from Courts, school supplies from Harpers, Data Plans from Flow, Bank Accounts from First Caribbean International.
Past winners of the Courts Reading Competition made special appearances as guest readers, delivering thrilling stories to those present at the 10th anniversary event.
