The Rotary Club of Athlone run an annual writing competition. This competition aims to encourage young people to use their writing skills, creativity and imagination. This years theme was “Peace” and had to take the format of a letter written to anyone living dead or yet to be born. Kevin Fahey President Rotary Club of Athlone, said "This years winners in the three categories from Junior to Senior are very innovative, creative and the schools and parents should be very proud.
"We work through the schools and the English Classes, " added Mr Fahey "and are very greatful to the schools who engaged with us and participated. Schools have a very busy schedule and we appreciate the work involved there is in getting students to enter. This years competition attracted over 60 entries and according to the competition judges the standard was high.
Kevin Fahey President "The Rotary Club of Athlone runs several youth programmes throughout the year. The overall aim of these programmes is to develop the enormous potential of youth in our community and provide opportunities where young people can shine.
Kevin Fahey President Rotary Club of Athlone, said "We would like to thank the sponsors of the competition Temple Printing who sponsored the prizes and the Westmeath Independent who will publish the winning entries. It is important to encourage the art of writing and even more so in tis age of the internet and social media."
Mr Fahey continued "We will have a special evening and reading of the nine winning entries in the Radisson Hotel on Monday evening 27 May at 6.30pm and all the schools, teachers, and parents are welcome to attend."
Winners:
The winner in the Junior category (Aged 7 – 10 years) is Cian Gavin Clonown NS, in the Intermediate Category (Aged 11 – 13 years) is Nicole McKenna Moate Community School and the winner in the Senior Category Aged (14 – 17) is Thomas Pettit Moate Community School.
The second and third prizes go to:
Junior
2nd sean Nally Clonown NS
3rd Kayla Scanlon Clonown NS
Intermediate
2nd Jason Gillivan Moate Community School
3rd Andrea lynam Moate Community School
Senior
2nd Emma Johnson Moate Community School
3rd Conor Mee Athlone Community College