Two QE boys have won their age categories in the regional round of a national writing competition. Year 8 boy Milun Nair (pictured on the right) was placed first in the London/M25, age 12-14 category of the Kip McGrath Education Centres’ Dream a Big Dream competition and Laurie Mathias (pictured left), of Year 7, won the age 9-11 category.
The aim of the competition was to encourage young people aged nine to 14 to write about what they hope to achieve in their own future, whether it be as an astronaut or an accountant. The pieces were primarily judged on originality and creativity.
One of the organisers has written to QE English teacher Sarah Snowdon, saying: “Please pass on our congratulations to Milun and Laurie; the standard of entries was really high so they should be very proud of this achievement.” She went on to say “Thank you for sending all the entries to me. One of them moved me to tears! Very many congratulations to all the boys who took part, the winners in particular, and of course the staff in the English Department who are nurturing this talent!”
Laurie said: “It’s great news to win the regional competition for my big dream; it was a real surprise. Being selected is brilliant and my friends and family are really pleased for me,” while Milun added: “I’m thrilled I won the regionals. The competition gave me a chance to think about the future and work for a better tomorrow for everyone.”
Kip McGrath was inspired by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to set up the competition.
Milun and Laurie and 14 other regional will now have their entries included in a specially bound commemorative book. They will also receive a certificate signed by one of three rising British athletes hoping for success at the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games who have supported Dream a Big Dream: sprinters Sam Ruddock and Rachel Johncock, and javelin thrower Kike Oniwinde.