Renalon Villafana, a 16-year-old form five business student from Tabaquite Secondary School in Trinidad and Tobago, has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning a gold award in the 2025 Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC). This competition, one of the oldest and most esteemed international writing contests, saw a record-breaking 53,434 entries from 56 Commonwealth countries this year. Renalon’s winning essay, titled *The Haunting Tales of Claxton Bay*, creatively retold a local folklore about Maria, a tragic figure said to haunt the Solomon Hochoy Highway. Renalon’s narrative skillfully intertwined the tale of Maria, a Spanish foreman’s daughter who died tragically while trying to save her Indian lover, with themes of love, loss, and cultural heritage. Renalon, who is also a school prefect and budding entrepreneur, expressed his joy and gratitude for the recognition, attributing his success to divine guidance. Beyond his literary achievements, Renalon is the founder and CEO of Reon Graphics, a graphic design business that recently celebrated its first anniversary. He also runs a vehicle sales venture and hosts graphic design classes, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. Renalon’s leadership extends to his role as student council president, where he has spearheaded community initiatives such as beach cleanups and visits to children’s and elderly homes. His parents, Sandy and Ronald Villafana, expressed immense pride in their son’s accomplishments, recalling his determination and academic excellence from a young age. Renalon aspires to study business management at university, aiming to further develop his entrepreneurial skills while continuing to inspire his peers with his mantra: ‘There are opportunities wherever you go. You have to know when to take them and trust in God.’
Renalon Villafana wins gold award at Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition
