Header
Pushkin Prize Poem
Anahilt Primary pupil Sarah wins a Puskin Prize
SARAH Loan, a P7 pupil at Anahilt Primary School, has received her prize having come first in the Primary Section of the Pushkin Prizes.
Local author Martin Waddell presented the award at the picturesque Baronscourt Estate last Friday.
The ceremony was introduced by the Duchess of Abercorn, a direct descendant of the Russian author Alexander Pushkin. Her enthusiasm for creative writing has inspired the young people, who were visiting from many parts of Ireland, to put pen to paper.
Following the presentation of prizes the winners of the various sections, including Sarah who had written the poem 'Earth Monster', read their entries.
Among many who congratulated Sarah was Nigel Hamilton, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Education. Responding Sarah informed Mr. Hamilton that she had also enjoyed his speech.
Anahilt Primary School also won the 'Breaking the Borders' award having linked with Scoil Brhide in Mountnugent, Co Cavan.
Having corresponded by email, snail mail and sent each other videos, the children had the opportunity to meet.
Children from both classes enjoyed a day's fun at an activity centre while P7 teacher Mrs. Dianne Courtney was thrilled to receive a signed copy of her favourite author's work - by Seamus Heaney.
School Principal, Derek Capper said: "The Pushkin Prizes have motivated the P7 class to be creative in both their thinking and their writing.
"To win two prizes in this year's competition has added icing to the school's 200th Anniversary Celebrations.
"At its Open Day on Wednesday there will be the theme of 'Celebrating Education Through the Ages'. Sarah will conclude the formal session of her poem with the reading."
Earth Monster
By Sarah Loan
'There's a monster in the broom-cupboard'
Said Annabelle to mum
He's made of rocks and mud,
I don't like the look of him.
He looks like only cats should'
'But Annabelle!' said mum,
There isn't anything there!'
She opened the broom-cupboard,
And you should have seen her stare!
Standing there,
Between the brush and pan,
Was a cat made of stones and mud,
Almost the size of a man!
Mum grabbed the frying pan,
And gave it a WHACK round the head,
It stood frozen from shock for a moment,
We all thought it dead!
Then, suddenly it roared!
Well actually said 'Meeeow!'
But when it's fifty times louder,
It makes you say 'Yeeow!'
Suddenly the cat turned to powder,
With a heart sickening WHOOSH!
So Annabelle started howling,
And that awakened Dad.
He thundered down the stairs,
In time to see the cat,
Reappear and, carefully
Go slinking out the door!
The fire brigade drowned it,
They said it was a rat, .
And claimed it was from the sewer,
But who would believe that?
No matter how you look at it,
It was pretty cool,
But be careful of any rats (or cats),
They might make you look a fool.
Ulster Star
22/06/2001
