Speaking of winning awards, this promising young student is walking the talk
Shire education
Eight-year-old Alex Clarke is certainly mastering the arts of speech and writing, if his latest medal haul is anything to go by.
The Miallo school Year 3 won seven awards at the recent Cairns and District Junior Eisteddfod, which rewards high achievers in a range of disciplines including music, dance, writing, drama and speaking.
He says he loves reading for the journeys it takes him on.
“You get to go to different places in every book you read,” Alex says.
Alex won the perpetual shield for Most Promising Speech and Drama, and a Literary Encouragement trophy.
As part of the event he interviewed state MP Michael Healy and wrote a short story which impressed the judges.
But, when he grows up, Alex says he wants to be a surgeon, rather than a writer or speaker.
“You’re helping yourself at the same time as helping other people,” he says.