In an impressive display of talent, all three winners of this year’s James Ronald Webster Essay Writing Competition were students of Orealia Kelly Primary School.
First place went to grade five pupil Zahria Niles, followed by Annarella Marcelino, also from grade five, in second, and grade six pupil Kevin Bryan in third.
Each received a plaque, a certificate and a cash prize at the prize-giving ceremony on Monday, 10 March, at the Teachers’ Resource Centre.
Now in its fourth year, the competition encourages grade five and six students to engage with Anguilla’s history, culture and political identity.
This year young writers were asked to explore the theme ‘Mr James Ronald Webster: Shaping Anguilla’s past, present and future’.
Winner Zahria Niles read her essay during the event which saw attendance from government officials, education leaders, teachers and family of James Ronald Webster and the participants.
The ceremony also included speeches on Webster’s legacy and the importance of strong writing skills in the digital age, as well as musical performances from Michael ‘Dumpa’ Martin and Perry Hughes.
Education minister Shellya Rogers-Webster emphasised Webster’s role in laying the foundation for young Anguillians to contribute to their island home.
“As relates to the essay competition, I think it is incredibly important… that we continue to have essay writing competitions,” she said.
“In a social media age where everything is about quick writing… it is extremely important for our students to understand… the value of being able to effectively communicate in writing.”
The Department of Education administers the competition which is sponsored by the family of James Ronald Webster, widely regarded as the ‘Father of the Nation’.
Closing remarks noted that 2026 will mark the centennial of his birth, adding significance to the ongoing tradition of the essay competition.
