Philipsburg Jubilee Library
   home        Ch.E.W. Voges Street 12, Philipsburg, St Maarten, Netherlands Antilles
                     tel. +599 542-2970 / fax +599 542-5805
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Reading Competition 2008
To her surprise, Jarritza Jules-Gaston of Sister Borgia Elementary School was the winner of the sixth annual Reading Competition held at Philipsburg Jubilee Library on Wednesday evening. Sixth grader Jules-Gaston read from the book Ten Ways to Make My Sister Disappear bij Norma Fox Mazer, a book that was equally as popular among her five fellow contestants as Falling from Grace by Jane Godwin.

The proud winner of the 2008 finals received a cape and sash, a real cup sponsored by utilities company GEBE, and a present.

The jury, which was presided over by Motiance Dance School Director Cees van Dolderen and consisted further of Edna Rijkaard (The Ark Foundation), Oldine Bryson (Public Education Department Head), teacher/author Kenneth Cook and youth members Emilie van der Waals, Sharina David and Annika Robert, elected Jackie Constanzo of Learning Unlimited first runner-up. Second runner-up was Charlotte Ites of St. Dominic Primary school. Other contestants were Lashonda Lawrence (St. Marrten Montessori School), Michelle Sullivan (Seventh Day Adventist School), and Tamika Smithen (Hillside Christian School).

The finals of the Reading Competition were moderated by radio personality Elektra, who told those present that her radio career had originated from her reading in church. Elektra introduced each contestant to the audience and the contestant told something about him- of herself and the book from which he/she was reading.

After a brief intermission during which entertainment was provided by the young Papa Umpo Drummers, Commissioner of Culture Louie Laveist's Executive Assistant Roberto Richardson said all readers had done very well. Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner, who could not attend the contest due to other obligations, Richardson said the library should be commended for promoting the essential skill of reading. He also presented every contestant with a copy of The Golden Book of Sint Maarten.

The finals of the 2008 Reading Competition were sponsored by the Representation of the Netherlands in Philipsburg VNP.
(The Daily Herald, March 27, 2008)

activities and exhibitions 2008