Wolmer's Girls' School creates history at fourth Rita Marley Essay Competition

Wolmer's Girls' High School created history at the fourth annual Rita Marley Foundation Essay Competition by nabbing the top three spots at this year's judging.

The announcement was made on Friday at the winning institution in front of overjoyed staff and students. Tamoy Campbell, Kuan Kera Wheatley and Danelle Mathews placed first, second and third, respectively.

The winner, Tamoy Campbell, a 16-year-old, sixth-form student, took the top spot as she wowed the judges with her message to the youth. In her essay, she condemned persons who try to destroy the youth with illicit vices, while imploring them to remain focused and disciplined in the attainment of their goals.

For this year's competition, students were asked to tackle issues within the lyrics of one of Rita Marley's songs. The essay theme, 'They will try to buy your souls with money, bribing with milk and honey, distorting the youths in their minds, doping the wool they pull over their eyes. Jah call on the youth cause they're strong, don't give your strength in vain now,' saw participants dissecting the lyrics and presenting ideas on why the youth are the strength of a nation.

Judges' response

Rosemary Duncan, manager at the Rita Marley Foundation, said the judges were pleased with the quality of the submissions this year, pointing out that they have seen significant improvements each year. The judging panel included Dr Rita Marley (Rita Marley Foundation president/founder), Dr K'adamawe K'nife, Ms Beverley Lashley and Mr Vernon Derby. This year's competition saw entries from 15 high schools across the island.

Mrs Charmaine Ashman, vice-principal at - Wolmer's Girls' High School, praised the Rita Marley Foundation (JA) for its meaningful and purposeful works with the country's youth. She added that Wolmer's Girls' High School will be coming hard next year in the hope of defending its historic achievements at the next staging of the competition.