Congratulations to Olivia Coleman (Year 11) on winning the Sydney Morning Herald's Young Writer of the Year Award. Now in its 24th year, the competition attracted more than 1300 entries from Year 10, 11 and 12 students from NSW and the ACT.
Olivia was announced as winner on Friday, 25th September, at a ceremony held at the Museum of Contemporary Art (Sydney) for the 12 regional finalists. Her prize consisted of cash and prizes from The Sydney Morning Herald and Dymocks and membership of the NSW Writers' Centre. Olivia was thrilled about her prestigious win, as was her English teach, Mrs Catherine Dundon, who was also present at the awards ceremony.
Olivia's winning entry, "The Final Game", was the tragic tale of a teenage country boy desperate to break free from the tedium of life on the land.The short story, with its powerful imagery and straightforward narrative style, obviously impressed the judges.
Well done Olivia.