Young writers show skills
by Corey LeBlanc coreyleblanc@thecasket.ca
With some help from her mother Kristel, Grade Primary student Ella Hunter presented her prize-winning story "Magical Oma" Alex Marmura read from Grade 4 during the Pictou Antigonish Regional Library and Antigonish County Adult Learning Association hosted Family Literacy Day celebrations Jan. 27 at Town Hall. (Corey LeBlanc photo)
If people did not make it to Family Literacy Day celebrations Jan. 27 in Antigonish, they may have missed the debut of the next William Shakespeare or Elizabeth Bronte. As part of the gathering, which was hosted by the local Pictou Antigonish Regional Library (PARL) branch and the Antigonish County Adult Learning Association (ACALA), some of the winners in ACALA’s student writing contest read their selections. Grade 4 Alex Marmura said he came up with his story idea during the drive home after a family mining trip. “I started recording the scenery,” the Antigonish Education Centre student said about the roots for his piece. Alex said he enjoys writing, particularly having the opportunity to use his imagination. “I like making up things,” he added. Marmura read his contest-winning story “The Broccoli Trees” at the celebration. He garnered first place in the Grade 4 to 6 category. Marmura was one of seven prize winners to entertain the audience with his literary talents. Sophie MacInnis described her grandmother as a remarkable woman, who is “tough as a boiled owl,” while Brooke Morris praised her mother for everything she does for her family. Ella Hunter, another Grade Primary student, wrote about her “Magical Oma.” “She brings a smile to my face and gives me something to talk about for the day,” Grade 6 student Chantelle Phee read about her “Nannie.” Chantelle talked about days at the beach and snowmobile rides with her grandparents in Port Hood. Brody Venedam, the winner in the Grade Primary to 2 category, wrote about his 88-year-old great-grandmother. “I love her raisin bread,” he noted about “Nannie Moo.” “She’s very quick at stair races and she tells a wicked story,” Brody added. At a contest awards’ ceremony Jan. 22, ACALA director Lise de Villiers commended the young writers for the variety and the quality of their work. “We were really impressed. “It was difficult to make our selections,” de Villiers said. She added they are considering creating books with illustrations with the contributed stories. Animations and puppet shows could also take place. Along with ACALA, PARL provided book prizes through its Adopt-a-Library program. Word-by-Word Bookstore provided gift certificates for the first place winners. Seven out of nine winners read their selections at the Family Literacy Day celebrations. Angus Novak and Emily Falkenham could not attend the festivities. More than 30 people hit a high note as they gathered to celebrate the 2010 theme “Sing for Literacy” at Town Hall. “It is not just about reading,” ACALA’s Catherine Irving said. Along with a sing-a-long, which included renditions of favourites such as “Old MacDonald’s Farm,” everyone enjoyed stories narrated by guest readers Jeff Teasdale and Pauline Liegnme.
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