The brilliant artistic and literary skills of a 10-year-old Binya boy were recognised on Friday when he was presented with an award for winning a regional creative writing competition.
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Sam Conlan edged out many other entrants from Griffith and surrounding regions to take first prize of the prestigious Griffith City Library Super Library Mike competition.
“I had wanted to be a genetic scientist when I grow up, but now I think I’ll become an accomplished author,” the child prodigy said.
He calls himself a massive bookworm, and prefers to read rather than surf the Internet. It’s just as well as Internet access in Binya, like so many other remote areas, is patchy.
The library’s Michael Lee, AKA Super Library Mike, presented Sam with the award at a ceremony at Binya primary on Friday. The whole school was present – all 10 other students – for the award ceremony.
The competition was linked to the statewide 2016-17 summer reading challenge. Students had to submit a superhero-themed story, accompanied by an illustration. Super Library Mike will convert Sam’s winning story into a comic.
“Sam's story won because it had a positive message that encouraged reading, and a very unpredictable ending,” Super Library Mike said.
The story is about a fearsome monster who invades Griffith City Library – because it loves reading.
Sam’s mum Danae Conlan said “I knew he would love the competition, but I never expected him to win it. I’m stoked”
Parents wanting to get their kids reading this school holidays can check out the activities at Griffith City Library.
Oliver Jacques
Moved to Griffith as a refugee from Sydney traffic and housing prices. Previously freelanced for The Guardian, ABC, SBS and Daily Telegraph. Email story ideas to oliver.jacques@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Moved to Griffith as a refugee from Sydney traffic and housing prices. Previously freelanced for The Guardian, ABC, SBS and Daily Telegraph. Email story ideas to oliver.jacques@fairfaxmedia.com.au
