A talent for the written word
Congratulations to the winners of the “Neilson Hays Young Writers Awards”, a new contest that invited youngsters between the ages of 10 and 18 submitting illustrated children’s picture books and short stories in English.
The theme for this first contest was “Hope” and 178 would-be writers responded to the call. Of these, 17 were short-listed and invited to attend a Finalist’s Workshop in March, where professional writers and illustrators critiqued the works and offered advice.
The winners were announced last month at the British Club Bangkok, where winners’ certificates were presented by Ngarmpun Vejjajiva and Asst Prof Onchuma Yuthavong, two of the 10 judges. Also on hand to congratulate the winners were Ayesha Rekhi, Political Counsellor at the Embassy of Canada representing the ambassador Donica Pottie. Excerpts from the winning entries were read by Cindy Sirinya Bishop and Krissada Clapp.
“This contest exceeded our expectations, not only in terms of the number of entries we received, but also in the levels of enthusiasm extended to us from all the contestants who worked so hard to submit such quality works, and from the volunteers, judges and sponsors whose support and encouragement overwhelmed us. To all involved, we express our sincere thanks,” said Nalin Vanasin, president of the Neilson Hays Library.
The winners of the 5 categories, plus a special Ambassador’s Selection Award from the Embassy of Canada, are as follows.
- Original picture books 12 years and under (12 pages, 300 words), Thai/Bilingual Schools
First Place: “The Story of Hope” by Pattaranan Ritwichai from Plearnpattana School
- Original picture books 12 years and under (12 pages, 300 words), International Schools
First Place: “Hope” by Anchalina Sachdev and Seo Yeon Lee from Bangkok International Preparatory and Secondary School
- Original picture books 16 years and under (16 pages, 500 words), Thai/Bilingual Schools
First Place: “Pookan Painted” by Titaya Punyaratabandhu from Satit Kaset International Programme
- Original picture books 16 years and under (16 pages, 500 words), International Schools
First Place: “When the Big Men Came” by Emmy Mills from International Community School and Bethan McClean St Andrews International School (Sukumvit 107)
-Original short story 18 years and under (800-1,000 words) – All schools
First Place: “The Saxophone Man” by Aanya Oswal Monteiro from NIST International School
-Special Prize: Ambassador’s Selection Award from the Embassy of Canada
For excellent story with an environmental theme: “Lamplighter” by Ganpicha Sahasakul from NIST International School
