Saint Lucia’s students have proved their academic fortitude in a 2018 Commonwealth essay competition.

The competition is an opportunity for young Commonwealth citizens and residents, regardless of region, education, or background, to share ideas, celebrate their stories, and have their voices heard—all while developing key communication skills.

Judges described entries to the competition as “fantastically imaginative,” “exceptional” and “passionate.” Junior Judge Michelle Samuel said a total of 12,000 students from 52 commonwealth countries participated in the competition.

In 2015, the contest was renamed “The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition” in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s role as both Head of the Commonwealth and Patron of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

Six Saint Lucians received awards of silver or gold. Three students, two securing gold and one silver were present to read their winning essays.

The theme for the 2019 Queens Commonwealth Essay Competition is “A Connected Commonwealth.” The competition is open to all citizens and residents of the Commonwealth aged 18 and under and runs until June 1, 2019.