Major Emanuel of Foundation Mixed School emerged as the top performer at the Rotary Club of Antigua’s 2026 Book Reading Competition, securing first place with an impressive score of 135 points. The competition, held on Saturday, 7 March 2026, brought together primary school students from across Antigua and Barbuda to celebrate literacy, confidence, and the power of storytelling.
Major Emanuel’s outstanding reading performance and presentation skills placed him ahead of a competitive field of young readers, highlighting the strong literacy culture being nurtured at Foundation Mixed School and within the wider education community.
The competition challenged primary school students to demonstrate strong reading ability, comprehension, and stage presence while engaging with the book ‘Tete’s Butterfly’ by Antiguan and Barbudan author Floree Williams-Whyte. The event highlighted the importance of local literature in helping young readers connect with Caribbean culture, storytelling, and shared experiences.
In the first round, students read selected passages from the book, while the second round required participants to present a segment in the style of a news presenter, testing their clarity, confidence, and expression before the panel of judges.
### **Competition Results**
1st Place: Major Emanuel – Foundation Mixed School – 135 points
2nd Place (1st Runner-Up): Jayhem Joshua – TOR Memorial School – 125 points
3rd Place (2nd Runner-Up): Eidrik Piper – Five Islands Primary School – 117 points
President of the Rotary Club of Antigua, Elisa Graham, emphasized the importance of reading in shaping young minds. She noted that literacy initiatives like the Book Reading Competition provide opportunities for students to build confidence and develop a lifelong appreciation for books.
“Reading is one of the greatest gifts we can give our young people. Through books, students learn to think critically, to dream boldly, and to see the world through different perspectives. Events like this competition help nurture confidence and inspire a lifelong love for reading,” said President Graham.
She also highlighted the value of celebrating local authors, noting that Caribbean stories allow students to see their own culture and experiences reflected in literature.
“When our students read stories written by Caribbean authors, they see themselves in the pages. They recognize that their stories, their language, and their heritage matter,” she added.
A wide range of prizes were awarded to participants in the Rotary Club of Antigua’s 2026 Book Reading Competition. The first-place winner received a plaque, refurbished laptop, certificate, EC$700 cash prize, Kindle Fire tablet, gift basket, backpacks with school supplies, a $75 gift certificate, and a lunch for two, while the second and third place winners received similar prize packages including plaques, refurbished laptops, certificates, Kindle tablets, backpacks, gift baskets, and cash prizes of EC$500 and EC$300 respectively. A special plaque was also presented for the Most Promising Reader, and the remaining participants and alternate readers were recognized with refurbished laptops, certificates, backpacks with supplies, and additional cash prizes, ensuring that every student received meaningful recognition for their participation.
### **Sponsors and Donors**
The Rotary Club of Antigua expressed sincere gratitude to the sponsors and donors whose generous contributions helped make the event possible.
– ACB Caribbean, Cricket West Indies, Brydens, Frank B Armstrong, Harper’s Office Depot, JMVI Realty, Paper Clips, Tucker-on-the-Grill, Floree Williams-Whyte (Author), PAG/PP Evangeline Allen, President Elisa Graham, President-Elect Anastasia Wilson, Sergeant-at-Arms Kirk Francis, Rotarian Barbara Jarvis, Past President Ilean Ramsey, and Past President Michael Spencer.
Through initiatives like the Book Reading Competition, the Rotary Club of Antigua continues its commitment to strengthening education, empowering youth, and promoting literacy throughout the country.