The Rotary Club of Road Town's Annual 'My Favourite Teacher' Essay Competition has been won by Leela Mellor. Photo: Tortola Sports Club/Facebook

Leela Mellor, second from left, wrote about Jennie Jermyn as her favourite teacher. Photo: Facebook

Second place in the My Favourite Teacher Essay Competition was won by Cedar International School's Devon Mellor, 3rd from right, who wrote about Teacher Brendon Casey. Photo: Facebook

This year’s competition saw an overwhelming response, with 39 “heartfelt and inspiring” essays, submitted by students across the Virgin Islands. Each entry, according to the club, beautifully expressed the profound impact teachers have on shaping their students’ lives, fostering academic growth and personal development.

The essay competition was won by Leela Mellor, who wrote about Jennie Jermyn as her favourite teacher. Mellor attends Cedar International School.

Second place was taken by Cedar International School's Devon Mellor, who wrote about Teacher Brendon Casey.

Due to the exceptional quality of submissions this year, the Rotary Club of Road Town expanded the competition to include 3rd and 4th place prizes.

Celebrating teachers & their impact

The “My Favourite Teacher” Essay Competition is part of the Rotary Club of Road Town’s ongoing commitment to support education in the community.

The club said teachers play a critical role in shaping the minds of tomorrow’s leaders, and this competition provides a platform for students to recognise their efforts publicly.

Each essay submitted highlighted the dedication, passion, and care demonstrated by teachers, leaving a lasting impression on the judges and the community.

“We are immensely proud of all the students who took the time to reflect on the importance of their teachers and articulate their appreciation in such meaningful ways,” Rotary stated.

Gratitude to Sponsors

The Rotary Club of Road Town expressed gratitude to its “generous sponsors”, Infinite Solutions and ISMART. The club said their contributions made it possible to reward not only the students for their essays but also the educators who inspire them daily. 

Winners:

1st Place

Teacher: Jennie Jermyn

Student: Leela Mellor

Prizes: Teacher – A bouquet and a luxurious spa package from Driftwood Spa; Student – A Lenovo Legion laptop, perfect for enhancing educational pursuits and creative projects.

2nd Place

Teacher: Brendon Casey

Student: Devon Mellor

Prizes: Teacher – A personalised coffee/tea mug and a rejuvenating spa package from Ayur Relax Spa; Student - An iPad 10, offering a versatile tool for learning and productivity.

3rd Place

Teacher: Jada Clarke

Student: Dwayne Fearon

Prizes: Teacher - A $75 gift certificate to Esme Nail Salon for a relaxing experience; Student - An iPad 10, empowering digital learning and creativity.

4th Place

Teacher: Erieshel Paul

Student: Ky’mora Hansen

Prizes: Teacher – A $50 gift certificate to Seven at the Pier, one of the island’s premier dining establishments; Student - A $75 gift certificate to Island Services, providing resources for academic supplies or personal needs.