10 February 2010

The prizegiving for the Black History Month essay writing competition was hosted by the US Ambassador at the American embassy yesterday. Our three finalist went along and one of them, Curtly Mejias (pictured above with Christelle and Daisy), explained what the experience was like.

As we got on our way to the US embassy after meeting with the other schools at Marble Arch, all I could keep asking Daisy and Christelle was, “What is the ambassador’s name again?”

I was quite excited, as I had always heard that going to the US embassy was like actually going to America. It was most definitely like that and as soon as we entered, a lady said to us, “Welcome to America.” This was after having to wait 20 minutes to get through security, mind you. Just like being in America!

Meeting the ambassador was a great experience and he gave a great speech congratulating all those who had taken part in the competition, saying that we should all be proud. It was the first time all the finalists had been together at one time and to see the diversity of the people who entered was really interesting.

Winning the competition and being able to represent the Academy has been a great opportunity and I have to congratulate and thank Christelle and Daisy (fellow Sixth Formers) for being such stiff opposition.

I look forward to next year’s competition – not to mention my trip to Washington. More on that to come.