Congratulations to ten Exeter College students who have taken part in an essay competition run by Exeter’s twin city Yaroslavl.

Exeter was twinned with Yaroslavl in 1989. The link between the two cities is managed by two organisations, Exeter-Yaroslavl Twinning Association in Exeter and the Exeter-Yaroslavl Friendship Association in Russia.

“We are really delighted with the level of response from Exeter College”

Peter Barker, Chairperson of the Exeter-Yaroslavl Twinning Association

The association in Russia has run an English language essay contest for the past 24 years. Historically, the competition was only open to pupils from schools and colleges of the Yaroslavl Region. This year, however, students from Exeter and Devon were invited to participate for the first time.

Ten Exeter College students entered and their essays were judged by a panel of teachers in Yaroslavl. The subject of the essay was ‘The most interesting Russian book or poem I have ever read.’

The students chose topics ranging from poetry by Alexander Pushkin to the prose of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn.

A representative for the Russian panel said, “The students’ work is really serious, full of deep analysis and profound understanding of the influence of the past on the life of the modern society.”

In a ceremony held at Exeter’s Historic Guildhall, the Lord Mayor presented certificates to the winners. Three students from Exeter College won first, second and third place.

“The students’ work is really serious, full of deep analysis and profound understanding”

Exeter-Yaroslavl Friendship Association

Sophie Brace, a first year student, won first place for her essay on ‘A Day in the life of Ivan Denisovich’.

She said, “I have always been interested in history so a chance to write an essay about a work from a different culture was really exciting. I feel like I’ve learnt more about how to perceive books from other cultures.”

Congratulations to Holly Errington and Felicity Charles for winning second and third place, as well as to Daisy Martin, Isabelle Newbery, Bethany Green, Rebekah McMillan, Lucy Roberts, Florence Griffiths and Madison Alford-Carnell who all received certificates for their entries.

Peter Barker, Chairperson of the Exeter-Yaroslavl Twinning Association, gave a speech at the event.

He said, “We are really delighted with the level of response from Exeter College. We’ve had the feedback from Yaroslavl that everyone, not only the winners, did really well. Overall we would like to congratulate everyone and thank the college for their support.”

You can find more information about the essay competition on the Exeter-Yaroslavl Twinning Association’s website.