**Limassol Student Wins Senior Poetry Prize in International Competition**
A student from Foley’s School in Limassol, Julia Messolonghitis, has achieved notable recognition by winning the first prize in the senior section of the 2025-26 Canterbury Tales Writing Competition. The competition, organized by the Chaucer Heritage Trust, celebrates creative writing inspired by the works of Geoffrey Chaucer, a prominent figure in English literature.
Julia was awarded a cash prize of £300 for her outstanding poem, while her school’s library received a substantial £1,000 to support its educational programmes. This funding aims to enhance the resources available for students and promote literary engagement within the school community.
In an interview with the Cyprus Mail, Julia shared her excitement about the competition, noting that it was her first experience participating in a poetry contest. She discovered the competition online after she had already written her poem, which aligned perfectly with this year’s theme: "Happily Ever After?"
“I write a lot of poetry, and what I wanted to express is that at the end, no matter what goes on in life, we can always turn to the craft,” Julia explained. Her passion for poetry is evident, and she credits her teachers for their encouragement and support, which motivated her to express herself through her writing.
The Canterbury Tales Writing Competition challenges participants to emulate Chaucer’s distinctive style, inviting them to explore themes that resonate with contemporary audiences. Julia expressed enthusiasm for the idea of similar competitions inspired by Greek poets, stating, “That’s a wonderful idea; I would definitely be open to the challenge.” This reflects her appreciation for diverse literary traditions and her eagerness to engage with them.
Julia’s journey in poetry has been transformative, as she emphasized the importance of believing in one’s work. “Even if you don’t believe that your work can be appreciated, there is always someone who will see the value in it,” she remarked. For Julia, the recognition she received through this competition has not only validated her efforts but also reinforced her desire to continue writing.
The total prize value of £1,300, which includes both her cash award and the funding for her school’s library, underscores the significance of her achievement. Julia concluded her reflections on the experience by stating, “The most rewarding part of this is that I felt seen.”
Her success serves as an inspiration to fellow students and highlights the potential for young writers to gain recognition on larger platforms. As Julia continues to explore her passion for poetry, her story may encourage others to pursue their creative endeavors, reminding them that their voices matter in the literary world.