Jun 05 - Short Story Competition Entries Thoroughly Impress Judges
The Spring Festival annual Short Story Competition once again drew in an impressive number of entries. The overall winner was Rebecca Faller with ‘The Immigrant Widow’, with the Adult Category runner up being awarded to Yvonne Sacarello for ‘Sounds of Change’. Paul McLeod’s piece ‘She’s a Rainbow’ took the highly commended award.
A total of 300 entries were received, from children in school years 4 – 13, as well as adults. Awards were presented during a ceremony yesterday evening at the Garrison Library. Present at the event were judges Charles Durante, Aida Delaney and Patsy Scott. Mr. Durante commented on the standard of stories received, noting that although the world of short stories is malleable and baffling, a whole new world can be made credible and convincing. He added that this year the crop of adult entries was particularly hard to judge.
Minister Linares, who awarded the prizes said, ‘the Short Story Competition was devised to incorporate an element of literature alongside the music, theatre, art and other aspects more traditionally linked to the Spring Festival. I am extremely pleased that the numbers of entries received have exceeded all other years since it was started in 2008. I would like to thank everyone involved in this venture, including the Gibraltar Chronicle, the Department of Education and the judges. However, my biggest personal gratitude goes in particular to the many people who put pen to paper and in doing so allow us to enjoy their vivid imagination.’
Other winners of the competition included, Year 12/13 Category winner Eve Louise Maddock-Jones for ‘Ticking Time Bomb’, Winner of the Years 8 to 11 category was David Garcia, whilst runner up was awarded to Frank Devincenzi and highly commended to Adam Albert Rocca.
The Years 4 – 7 winning prize was presented to Grace Rovegno for ‘Is it Hocus Pocus?’, the runner up prize was awarded to Rafe Malik for ‘The Demise of Three-Spots’ and highly commended was awarded to Johan Mahtani for ‘The Little Coin’s Adventure’.
