Lockdown writers win big

By Lachlan Ellis

There were less entrants than expected in an essay competition run by Rotary this year, but the winners are grinners.

Rotary Bacchus Marsh’s ‘My Personal Lockdown’ competition closed for entries on 31 October, with entrants asked to write an essay of 200 – 400 words, or submit a 1-minute video, based on their lockdown experiences.

Two essay winners and two video winners were set to win $200 each, with runners-up to receive $50. However, when entries closed, there were just four entries – all from Balliang East Primary School.

Grade 6 student Ella Chick was announced the outright winner on Wednesday December 1, receiving a $200 gift card and a first prize certificate. The other three entries all received $50.

The competition’s organiser, Rotarian Nicki Paull, congratulated Ella and the runners-up on their wonderful entries.

“The essays were all done voluntarily by the participants, with no pressure from their teacher. They were self-motivated. So, there were smiles all round when participants were rewarded, and no doubt a few children kicking themselves that they didn’t submit an entry,” Ms Paull told the Moorabool News.