HERE IS THE WINNER OF THIS YEAR'S "ZMIJANJČE" AWARD AND WHY

The jury, consisting of Miladin Berić, Jelena Glišić, and Vid Vicko Vukelić, unanimously decided that among the 120 entries submitted by elementary school students from across the Republic of Srpska, this year's "Zmijanjče" award goes to Tamara Bilbija, a 9th-grade student from OŠ "Dositej Obradović" in Prijedor, for her poem "My Republic of Srpska."

The poem "My Republic of Srpska" is written in a traditional, hymn-like manner. In all four quatrains, the poetess demonstrates an admirable command of structured verse, distinguishing her poetic expression from other entries in the shortlist for this award. In her winning poem, the poetess addresses the Republic of Srpska in a specific manner, using stylistic figures, particularly anaphora, in the form of an oath, emphasizing the Holy Trinity through the traditional Serbian greeting. Of the four equally high-quality quatrains, we chose the concluding one which provides the poem's essence: ‘And three times if I had to kiss, / I'd kiss the same, you see! / For in my soul lives, / Your dear, sacred name,' the jury announced.

In addition to the winning poem, the jury also highlighted the outstanding quality of the works by the following students: Pavle Petković, 4th grade, OŠ “Danilo Borković” Gradiška; Monika Hričak, 4th grade, OŠ “Jovan Cvijić” Banja Luka; Vasilije Nikolić, 6th grade, OŠ “Zmaj Jova Jovanović” Banja Luka; and Milica Mićić, 8th grade, OŠ “Sveti Sava” Bijeljina.

The award will be presented at the ceremonial opening of the 59th Kočić's Gathering in Banja Luka at the end of August.