A 13-year-old Vincentian wins a Silver Award in the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition.
Quizron Williams, a resident of Dickson and a student at the St. Vincent Grammar School, stood out among entrants from across the 56 member countries of the Commonwealth.
The annual international competition, run by the Royal Commonwealth Society since 1883, opened its 2026 cycle on March 4, and accepted submissions until the deadline on April 30. Judges conducted the final panel reviews in September, and the organiser released the final results on Oct. 22.
One of the competition prompts asked writers to imagine a visitor from another Commonwealth country knocking on their door to ask for one food or song that represents where they come from. Entrants had to explain what they would choose, how they would share it, and what happens between them. Quizron selected this topic for his submission, copping a silver award amongst a record breaking pool of 53,840 entrants.
“When I found out that my piece that I wrote stood out amongst thousands, I felt happy and surprised at the same time,” Quizron said.
He added that he was excited to share elements of local foods, herbs, and provisions in his story.
Despite his successful finish, Quizron explained that producing the essay presented several practical difficulties alongside his daily routine.
“The most challenging part of writing this piece were balancing my school work, reaching home late due to living a far distance, slashing my track and field training in order to remain focus,” Williams said, adding that he said he knew the competition required undivided attention.
“I would write some, make scrap points then put it together. My mom would overview and correct errors while I am at school,” Williams outlined.
Quizron said he believes he is now outside of the country and will add the certificate to his future achievements, hoping this milestone can take him further.
“In my spare time I think writing calms both body and soul, and I encourage others out there to give it a try, never look down on writing,” he continued.
His performance in the international arena follows a history of academic achievements at the primary level.
In 2024, Williams represented Dickson Methodist School in the Haddon Writing Essay Competition and graduated valedictorian the same year.
“I gained awards in Math, English, Science and Most Outstanding Male. I was also the Top CPEA Performer for my school 2024 where I gained 450/500 overall for CPEA,” Williams said, referring to the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment.
Behind these academic milestones stood a pillar of support: his mother, Kemissia Williams-Henry.
Speaking with iWitness News, she said that she was happy and shocked when she found out her son won a silver award.
She recalled reading them and always feeling like the story was alive.
When her son went on to win a silver award, she said that she was both happy and shocked—even though her confidence in his abilities had always been strong.
Kemissia also said she loves writing essays and was not surprised Quizron was retracing her steps.
To prepare for the competition, Kemissia explained that she would check what her son wrote while he was at school and correct errors.
“…Sometimes I will carry what he already wrote to where I was working, then help rewrite on clean paper,” she said, adding that she knows what her son is capable of.
“…When comes school,he have his ups and down days in certain subject areas, but [I] am a parent who believe strongly in my kids education,” she continued.
She noted that her son isn’t stopping with the silver medal either, explaining that he is already aiming for a gold award next.
“My hopes are that he keep his head on, with Christ everything are possible. I pray God moves him from one higher level to another, and lengthen my years to see him become one of SVG international Ambassador,” Kemissia said.