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April 30, 2008
GOVERNOR CONGRATULATES WINNER OF NATIONAL POETRY COMPETITION Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. Wednesday congratulated Charlotte Amalie High School student Shawntay Henry on her first-place finish in the 2008 Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest, which was held in Washington, D.C. "Ms. Henry emerged the top winner from a field of 52 contestants as she displayed her well-honed skills in reciting classic and contemporary poems. Her bringing home the top prize of $20,000 in scholarship money is testament to how well Shawntay and her coach prepared for the two-day competition," deJongh said. The Chief Executive said he is hoping that with a national winner in the Virgin Islands, other students will get involved and participate in learning about great poetry. The just completed competition in the nation’s capitol marked the first time the Virgin Islands participated in the contest. The local poetry out loud competition, from which Shawntay Henry was selected to represent the Virgin Islands, was organized by the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts. VICA sponsors a number of fine arts events and competitions each year. DeJongh acknowledged that "art plays a major role in the development of children and young adults and commended VICA for its diligent efforts in keeping art alive and for being an advocate for young Virgin Islanders." In the competition, Shawntay read a total of three poems as the judges narrowed the field of contestants. DeJongh encouraged the Virgin Islands community to turn out tonight at the Cyril E. King Airport and participate in the welcome home ceremony being planned for around 8 p.m. as Shawntay Henry returns to the territory. |
