Markham, ON - Cassandra Nguyen, a Grade 8 student at Ashton Meadows Public School in Markham, is the Junior Winner of the Queen's Commonwealth Essay Contest, the oldest international school writing contest in the world. Cassandra’s submission was chosen from over 13,000 entries submitted by students from 58 countries around the world.
During the virtual presentation ceremony, Her Royal Highness (HRH), the Duchess of Cornwall presented Cassandra with her certificate and congratulated Cassandra personally on her work. Cassandra was interviewed by Geri Horner (née Halliwell) of the Spice Girls. Singer-songwriter Alexandra Burke read an excerpt of Cassandra’s piece, Actions Speak Louder, during the presentation.
The ceremony included notable literary figures, actors, and humanitarians from across the Commonwealth. Ambassadors of the Royal Commonwealth Society were joined by British actor and writer, Stephen Fry, and Bollywood actress, Kareena Kapoor, to read extracts from the winning pieces during the ceremony.
The essay contest is an opportunity for young Commonwealth citizens to share their thoughts, ideas and experiences on key global issues and have their hard work and achievement celebrated internationally. The theme of the 2020 Competition was Climate Action and the Commonwealth.
Note to editors:
Highlights of the virtual presentation ceremony below:
7:20 – Announcement of Junior Winner, Cassandra Nguyen
9:42 – Spice Girl Geri Horner and Cassandra
26:22 - Singer-songwriter Alexandra Burke reads an excerpt of Cassandra’s piece
28:18 – HRH the Duchess of Cornwall’s presentation to Cassandra
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