STAR launches English proficiency competition

In line with its thrust to develop the habit of reading among the youth, The Philippine STAR, together with Sterling Paper Products, announces the launch of the 2007 Interschool English Proficiency Competition.

The competition is open to both grade school and high school students from over 20 Metro Manila schools that have signified their intention to participate.

In a statement, STAR corporate communications manager Jay Sarmiento said: “This marks the first time that competitions in spelling, story writing, declamation and essay writing will be held simultaneously. More importantly, we are aiming to make students feel at ease in the use of English and set new levels of individual competency.”

Sterling Paper representative Martin Cadlum, VP for marketing, says, “Our company has been catering to the student-youth market for many years now. With this event, we see a perfect fit for us to continue relating and bonding with this age group and at the same time help develop their skills and talents. Since we are also in the publishing business, we may consider the works of the participants in the competition worthwhile printing so that other students and the general public will appreciate them. We support the event wholeheartedly with The Philippine STAR.”

The English Proficiency Competition started last July 27 and is open to students wishing to compete in the following categories: Spelling (Grades 1-3), Storywriting (Grades 4-6), declamation (first and second year high school) and essay-writing (third and fourth year high school).

According to event organizer Lawrence Sy, schools have until Oct. 12 to screen, pick and train their respective contestants to the English Proficiency Competition.

The event finals will be held on Oct. 20 and 27, 2007. Sy explains, “A team of teachers and training specialists have been tapped to provide ground level support and logistics. These include the competition moderators-facilitators and watchers for the smooth implementation of the competition.”

There will be a champion in each area of competition. Prizes for the champion include cash, products donated by sponsors and certificates. The schools they represent will also receive a PC computer each for the use of the students.

For schools/students interested in joining the competitions, please contact the event secretariat c/o Ann Pagapulangan at tel. 656-1158. Deadline for signing up is on Aug. 15, 2007.