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They could be enjoying a morning at the beach with friends or family. Or they could be busy exploring the depths of the internet on some app downloaded to their smartphone. But on this Saturday, January 24, 102 students from the island are sitting at their desks in a classroom at Mireille Choisy Middle School, working as hard as they are happily. Elementary schoolers, middle schoolers, and high school sophomores have all decided to participate in the "Jeunes Plumes" (Young Writers) contest organized each year by the Saint-B'Art association.
Leaning over her blank sheet of paper, a schoolgirl dressed in a pretty purple outfit reaches into her pencil case (also purple) to pull out a new pen. Like all her classmates, she has been working since early this morning on the theme set for the 2026 edition: "An island, here and elsewhere. " It's a subject that requires all the imagination of children, from toddlers to teenagers. In each class, however, they benefit from the support and advice of a few teachers and parents who have come to help them with their story. It can be a prose text, a poem, or even a song. The important thing is to tell a story and let their imagination run wild. But it's also important to use the right vocabulary. To make sure of this, the young writers don't hesitate to consult not their phones, but the school dictionaries scattered here and there on the tables.
No fewer than 102 pupils, schoolchildren, middle school students, and high school sophomores are participating in this year's "Jeunes Plumes" competition organized by the Saint-B'Art association.
Inspired students
Since all these efforts deserve a reward, there is a break in the middle of the morning. It is 10 a.m. and a snack awaits the participants under the courtyard canopy. Rose, Angelina, Lila, and Keiko are waiting to be called to go and eat. The four girls, who are in fourth grade, chat in the sunshine. This is an opportunity to ask them about their sources of inspiration.
"I'm doing pretty well," smiles Lila. "It's a poem, with or without rhymes, and we have to describe an island, either a wonderful one or one we know." Keiko is quick to add: "One that exists or one that doesn't. For example, I'm making up an island with only imaginary things." " Rose adds, "It's difficult to have to deal with rhymes, to be poetic and at the same time have a bit of humor. I wanted to represent my island in the best possible way and express what I wanted to express." Angelina confirms, "It's true that it's a bit difficult, but I'm happy to participate."
This Saturday, the young writers will meet at the school for a second morning of creativity. For those who feel they haven't finished their work. Or for those who feel they need to put the finishing touches to the fruit of their imagination.
