Writing Challenge 2021

Congratulations to all students who participated in the Writing Challenge with some amazing stories in which students displayed great maturity and skill in writing. Many reflected on personal experiences. Some wrote about conflict that led to peaceful resolutions. 299 students from 8 local schools participated in the annual writing challenge.

The selected theme this year was “Peace”. It was chosen to place a focus on the UN declaring 2021 as the “International Year of Peace and Trust”. Some thought-provoking stories were submitted.

The Lions Club hosted a dinner for the school senior champions accompanied by parents at the Alex Surf Club. The district champion was announced at this function. The Lions Club with assistance from QBD at the Plaza, awarded 14 x $50 book voucher prizes. Each school received a $100 donation for their library from the club.

Congratulations Senior Champions

Tahlia Kirkman (Immanuel Lutheran College), Elaheh Kalantar (Chancellor State College), Samantha Abraham (Maroochydore State School), Adrah Morrison (Stella Morris), Naomi Wether (Mooloolaba State School), Ben Graham (Mountain Creek State School), Alicia Suttie (Bli Bli State School), Ruby Strickland (Glenview State School).

Lion Jennie Power presenting to District Winner Naomi Wether.

Naomi a student from Mooloolaba State School was judged as having submitted the best story across the Sunshine Coast participating schools in 2021. Her powerful and beautifully written story was about a peaceful outcome resulting from standing up to school yard bullies.

The Lions Club fund raising comes predominantly from our Sunday morning Fishermans Road Market which celebrated its 22^nd birthday earlier this year.

The Club once again expressed its thanks to the participating students, their teachers, the school coordinators and the parents for their support and encouragement.

The Sunshine Coast Writing Challenge

A club program to provide primary age students with an opportunity to enhance their story writing skills. The number of participants has grown to several hundred each year since the inaugural Challenge in 2013

Who can enter? Primary age Sunshine Coast students from participating schools. Contact your school or the Lions Club.

What are the stories about? Students can choose any topic connected to the theme for the year.

When is the program offered? Normally during first term.

What are the rules? Each entry needs

A title
Be written in your own handwriting
Be no longer than two A4 pages in length
Be your own work. You can get advice from your teacher or a parent
Be handed in by the due date

Are there prizes? Each student who writes a story will receive a certificate. The categories are: Participation; Credit; Distinction.

The school champion writer will also receive a $50 book voucher. There is a District Champion Award also of a $50 book voucher. Some schools also qualify for junior champion book vouchers awards.

Each participating school receives $100 for their library.

Can any local school participate? Yes. Ask at your school. Regular participating schools include: Bli Bli State School; Glenview State School; Immanuel Lutheran College; Maroochydore State School; Mooloolaba State School; Mt. Creek State School and Stella Maris Catholic School.

Photos of some award recipients