Nan Manefield Young Writers’ Award 2024

The English Department would like to extend congratulations to Year 7 student Louis W and Year 6 student Zachary R for their success in the 2024 Nan Manefield Young Writer’s Award. In the 11-12 years age category, Louis was the winner of the prestigious writing competition for his short story Almond Latte, whilst Zachary received a highly commended award for his story Emotional Intelligence. These are incredible achievements, reflective of Louis and Zachary’s impressive writing capabilities and creative potential.

It is inspiring to see our students participate in external competitions and receive recognition for their hard work and talents. The Nan Manefield Young Writer’s Competition celebrates the writing ability of young people in the greater Sydney area, with a major cash prize for winners. All awarded writers receive a certificate and an invitation to a Writing Masterclass with judge and award-winning Australian author Helena Fox, along with a loot bag!

Please enjoy a short extract from Louis Williams’ short story, Almond Latte:

Distant thunder rumbled as the cup made its way to his table for the second time. It might seem petty, but getting his coffee order wrong was the final insult. Wars have been started over far less. What’s the point of being ruler, protector, and father of all gods and humans if no one respected you anymore?

Stroking his long white beard, he reminisces about those burnished, shimmering days of antiquity. The temples built in his name, imposing, remote, designed to elicit awe. He could still feel the cool marble, tracing the carved ridges in his mind’s eye. And the offerings! The smell of charred lamb and carcasses of unknown origin. Rivers of wine. Honeycakes. Incense. Cities even stopped warring every few years to hold games in his honour. In those days, no one would have dared forget his preference for almond milk.

Ms Z Doutreband
Master Assisting English (Academic Enrichment)