
Cataleya Poponne of the Roseau Primary School has copped the 2024 DBS Radio National Reading Competition title. Poponne, who scored a total of 711 points, competed against nine other competitors from various primary schools across Dominica to secure that title.
The final competition was held at the Emerald Movies in Roseau on Monday.
“I feel very excited. It’s a mix of emotions,” Poponne said during an interview shortly after her win.
She credited her teachers and parents with contributing greatly in helping to accomplish her dreams.
“My teachers and my parents helped me, they motivated me and it helped to build my spirit and I knew that I would accomplish my dreams,” she stated.
Poponne continued, “I am very thankful that I have been to the top.”
Furthermore, Poponne said if she were to participate in another competition, “it will still be reading.”
“Because, my favourite thing is reading, it is my hobby and I am very appreciative to be the finest reader in this competition.”
Zaida Capitolin of the St Martin Primary School placed 2nd with a total of 703 points, Kriston Blaize of the Pioneer Preparatory School placed 3rd with 665 points and Sakeri-Leontyne Astaphan who represented the Convent Preparatory School secured 4th place with a total of 663 points.
The other participants were Nayaeal Paul from the Roosevelt Douglas Primary School, Jeffana Joseph of the San Sauveur Primary School, Jeran Lawrence of the Christian Union Primary School, Abdiel Andrew from the Paix Bouche Primary School, Janae Robinson who represented the Berean Christian Academy and Joshua Nelson of the Lighthouse Christian Academy.
Meanwhile, Manager of DBS Radio, Cecil Joseph said the competition was a tough one.
“It was a really tough competition,” he said. “You could sense that each of the children [was] somewhat happy that they reached the top four.”
He revealed that next year it’s the intention to have calypso incorporated into the reading competition.
“Calypso is a means of securing literature and next year it will be reading and calypsos, where I will find myself working with the Calypso Association to ensure that they play a role in ensuring that children get a better understanding of calypsos and the value of calypsos,” he explained.
Joseph went on to state that DBS has always been at the forefront of the calypsos, “And this is an example through the reading competition to ensure that we have that done. And I can guarantee you that next year will be much more enjoyable than this year.”
The reading competition was the brainchild of the late iconic broadcaster and Creole legend Felix Henderson.
The Headline Sponsor of the competition is Dragon Windows.
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