The Ministry of Culture announced on 30 August to the winners of the 2024 Pollito Middle Competition. The qualifying Jury, composed of Annabel Miguelena, Desirée Del Rosario and Leadimiro González, select the winners from among the 307 jobs received, highlighting those that met the bases of the contest.

The first place was awarded to the tale entitled "Color Roads," submitted under the pseudonym "Chicken Little." That work stands out for its exciting plot, its encircling rhythm and a poetic language that gives a creative turn to history.

The second place corresponds to the tale "The Dark Room," signed under the pseudonym "The Promiser of Books." That account invites an imaginative journey that, with a simple and concise language, allows us to discover the value of light as seen from another perspective.

The third place was for "Bela lost at sea," under the pseudonym "Willie K." That tale, filled with imagination and with good conduct of dialogues, submerges the reader into a magic world, offering an adventure between the earth and the sea that promotes family union and love for pets.

In addition, two honors were awarded:
First mention of honor: "The day That Whiny saved the forest," under the pseudonym "Alessandro Marc-Normanand."
- Second mention of honor: "The Sword of Revenge," under the pseudonym "Destiny."

Following the deliberation, the pics were opened and the names of the winners were revealed:

First place: Alessia Rebeca Avendor Icaza, 6th grader at PanAmerican School, San Miguelito.
- second place: Ivana Montserrat González Echevers, 6th grader at the Bilingual Institute of the Miracles, San Miguelito.
- third place: Gabriel Márquez, 6th grader at the María Ossa Bilingual School of Amador, Panama.
First mention of honor: Eduardo Salvador de Frías Carrillo, fifth grader at the Universidad Episcopal de Panama.
- Second mention of honor: Katleen Ixchel Reyes Cerrud, 5th grader at the International Boquet Academy.

The Jury emphasized the importance of encouraging the habit of reading as this practice awakes creativity and allows to explore new ideas leading to unique worlds and characters. Moreover, reading contributes to improving spelling and improving the style of literary creations.

The award will be held next September 27 at 10: 00 a.m., at a place to be announced soon.