On Thursday, February 8th, the literary talents of Highfields students soared as they stood among the finalists of the prestigious Wolverhampton Young Authors Prize, celebrated at Wolverhampton Grammar School. Laura (Year 8) and Amelia (Year 7), two exceptionally gifted students, showcased their creativity and storytelling prowess in a competition that attracted entries from across Wolverhampton.
The theme of this year's competition, 'Heroes,' inspired young minds to pen stories of bravery, resilience, and extraordinary feats, all within a concise limit of 400 words. Amidst fierce competition, Laura and Amelia's narratives stood out, earning them well-deserved spots in the final round.
Local author and esteemed competition judge, Paul Dowswell, presided over the ceremony, presenting trophies to winners and runners-up across three age categories. In addition to this prestigious honor, the finalists were granted the special opportunity to have their stories recorded as audiobooks, a testament to the quality of their writing.
The event was not only a celebration of literary talent but also an invaluable learning opportunity. Paul Dowswell shared insights and advice with the finalists, offering guidance on refining their writing skills and nurturing their creative voices.
Both Laura and Amelia received certificates recognizing their outstanding achievements. The celebration didn't end with awards; the event also featured engaging craft activities, allowing students to bring their characters to life as bookmarks and design superhero eye masks, fostering a sense of creativity and imagination.
Reflecting on the accomplishment of the Highfields students, a spokesperson remarked, "It is a brilliant achievement to be picked out from hundreds of entries, and I hope they are very proud of their work and enjoyed the award ceremony." The school takes pride in its creative students and hopes that participation in the Wolverhampton Young Authors Prize becomes an annual tradition, with students continuing to craft captivating stories and receiving recognition for their literary talents.
Highfields congratulates Laura and Amelia on their remarkable achievement and looks forward to fostering a culture of creativity and storytelling excellence among its students for years to come. With such talented individuals leading the way, the future of literature looks bright at Highfields.