By BRIDGET SCOTT
AT ONLY 12 years of age, Chamodi Dissanayake has already had her first story published.
The vice-captain was among a large group of primary school students who participated in the ‘Read and Write like a Demon’ challenge – a competition organised by the Melbourne Football Club.
The initiative is designed to improve literacy among youths and encourage children to get writing.
After students from across 26 schools competed, Chamodi made one of 10 finalists, after which the Hampton Park Primary school student was excited to be announced as the winner.
This is the second time in four years the school has produced a winner for this competition.
Chamodi described writing as her ‘passion’ and said she never expected to be announced as the winner.
“When I entered I didn’t believe that I would win or even become a finalist,” she said.
“I was just happy that I gave my passion a try.”
After being made a finalist, Chamodi had to read her story to the other nine finalists and said this was nerve-wracking.
“On the day where I had to read out my story, I felt a bit scared and underestimated myself by thinking I could not be made the winner.
“Suddenly they said my name and I felt so happy that I kept smiling and at one point I thought that my mouth would pop open!”
Teacher from the primary school, Averil Mitchell, said it was a big achievement.
“It’s something we’re pretty proud of,” she said.
