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The usual tranquility of the educational farm is somewhat disrupted on this Friday evening, March 27. This comes as no surprise, given that the venue is hosting two events organized by the Saint-B’Art association: a performance of the musical lecture *Inouï Océan* and, most importantly, the awards ceremony for the *Jeunes Plumes* contest. For the latter, it goes without saying that many elementary and middle school students, accompanied by their parents, are in attendance. Impatient and enthusiastic, they’re all on the edge of their seats, eager to find out the names of the winners of the 2026 edition. After what felt like an eternity—since each of the 98 participants was awarded a bookstore gift card—the winners’ identities were revealed to general jubilation. Winners, more precisely, since it was a middle schooler and a high schooler who won over the jury with their writing.
First up is Mathilde Maniaudeix. Aged 11, she is in 6th grade D and won the contest in the category for 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th graders. Overjoyed, the girl seems overwhelmed by her victory. After being cheered on by her classmates, she explains: “My story is called ‘My Island of Happiness’ and is about an island with lush nature, full of secrets.” She pauses and exclaims: “Actually, I wasn’t expecting this at all! I’m so happy!”
Next to her, Sophia Colmenares-Ron is just as stunned by her prize. At 17 years old, she won the category for 8th, 9th, and 10th graders. “I’m very happy to have won; I wasn’t expecting it at all,” says the teenager, who reads and speaks Spanish, her native language, as well as English and French! Her story, titled “Alma,” tells the tale of a man who arrives on the island, driven by ambition and desire. The texts selected by the jury have been published in recent weeks in the Journal de Saint-Barth.
The winners of the Jeunes Plumes contest
For 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th graders:
- Mathilde Maniaudeix
- Lewis Bruneau-Legendre (4th grade, Gustavia)
- Mayleen Vaultier (6th grade A)
For 8th, 9th, and 10th graders:
- Sophia Colmenares-Ron
- Camille Luna (10th grade)
- Jade Houdayer (8th Grade C)
