03/05/2023
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=692120702915503&id=100063527382149&mibextid=Nif5oz
Harvey-Vale Gov’t School’s Nathan Stapleton wins Michelle Coy Reading Competition
Nathan Stapleton of the Harvey-Vale Government School has delivered his institution another victory at the Michelle Coy reading competition, following a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
He secured the title, amassing 427.5 points, followed by Kai Lanni Martineau of the Dover Government School in second with 392 points and Jayden Bristol who represented the L’Esterre RC in third with 380 points.
There was also participation from the Petite Martinique, Mt Pleasant and Hillsborough primary schools.
For his victory, Mr Stapleton took away a laptop while the first and second runners-up walked away with a tablet computer.
The other three participants were handed Kindles computers while books, medals and trophies were awarded to all six competitors.
“I’m feeling very, very happy, as all my years in primary school, since I came to receive an award for my class’s performance at this same competition, I was looking forward to this moment when I would represent my school.
“This has surely boosted my confidence as I prepare for the CPEA exams this year”.
He said that he had been very relaxed throughout the competition.
“When I heard the girl that came second, I said, she has a good voice and that is why girls often beat boys in reading competitions.
But I said no way would I come this far to be beaten.
Reading is the key to knowledge,” added an eloquent, Mr Stapleton, who described the competition as one that boosts one’s morale and confidence.
The competition, which was held at the Hillsborough Government School, was attended by Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Hon Tevin Andrews, Permanent Secretary, Javan Williams, Area Education Officer, Mrs Rosalina Lendore, members of the Mt Pleasant and Grand Bay Organization (which is the founder and sponsors of the competition) and staff and students of the various schools.
Representative of the Mt Pleasant and Grand Bay Organization, Dr Viola Brown, said that despite the late planning for this year’s event due to some uncertainties surrounding it at this time of the year, they were extremely pleased with the quality of the production and the high level at which the participants performed in both the news and narrative pieces.
“It was executed magnificently,” said Dr Brown.
She added that she was impressed with the confidence of the participants.
According to her, the competition has shown that those who participate often excel not only at the elementary level, but also at the secondary school level, CXC, and have gone on to lay the foundation for a successful professional future.
“The first winner, Roshaun Lendore is now at medical school. They all continue to be high performers,” added Dr Brown.
Another element of growth for the participants, she said, is that it has served to stimulate the children to better appreciate the importance of reading.
November is the month for the competition, however, this year it was held in February.
Dr Brown confirms that while it would return to the month of November, she was unclear whether it would return to November of 2023 or November of 2024, although she is forecasting that it would be the latter.
