The Karen Nehammer Handwriting Competition Run by the Worshipful Company of Scriveners

Tulaxsaa Sutharasan, RE

I was delighted to win first prize in the prestigious 2022/23 Year 8 category of the Karen Nehammer Handwriting Competition, beating several hundred other competitors from a range of different schools with links to the City of London. When trying out for the competition, I did my best but I certainly didn’t expect to win! To enter, I had to copy out in my best handwriting, using an ink pen because no biros are allowed, two different extracts – one from a Harry Potter book and one a poem by W B Yeats – and I really enjoyed doing this as part of the lunchtime club run by Mr Ward.

The prize-giving took place in St Martinwithin-Ludgate Church in London where we met the Master of the Worshipful

Company of Scriveners and the prizes were presented by one of the Sheriffs of the City of London. The church where the prize-giving was held looked big and beautiful. The event was well-organised and attended by both respected elders and many children from different schools. It was held on an evening after school, and I was very excited to attend as it was a new experience. Bancroft’s did amazingly well in this competition as Inaya J won first prize in the Year 9 category, meaning Bancroft’s took two of the four main prizes.

At the ceremony, they first gave a brief speech to welcome everyone before inviting prize winners to claim their awards. When my name was announced, I was proud and happy that I had chosen to enter the competition. I received a certificate in addition to the prize, a £120 Amazon voucher. We were photographed by the event organisers, and we saw our written pieces displayed alongside other prizewinning entries. After this, we enjoyed helping ourselves to some delicious food and drinks. I received a lot of congratulations. It was an incredible experience overall.