What does it take to be among the very best in the world at literature? For four incredible Year 9 students from Bangkok Prep, it takes hundreds of books, unwavering teamwork, and alarming amounts of dedication—starting at 6:30 AM twice a week! We are thrilled to celebrate Meena T, Nelly M, Pinta P, and Panwara C, who have just returned from Paihia, New Zealand, after representing Thailand at the 2026 Kids’ Lit Quiz World Finals. Competing against national champions from around the globe, our team achieved an extraordinary result: tying for 4th place in the world! A Historic "Back-to-Back" Legacy Representing your country on the international stage once is a dream. Doing it twice is history in the making. For Meena, Nelly, and Pinta, this marked their second consecutive year qualifying for and competing in the World Finals—an astounding testament to their sustained passion for reading and deep literary knowledge. After winning the Thailand National Final at Bangkok Prep back in March alongside teammate Jai Domrongchareon (who played a vital role in earning Thailand’s national spot before being unable to travel this summer), the team needed someone special to step into the fold. Enter Panwara Chirawatpongsa. Panwara stepped up brilliantly, integrating into the squad seamlessly and helping propel the team to a top-tier world standing in New Zealand. 6:30 AM Alarm Clocks & The "Sport of Reading" Often dubbed the "Sport of Reading," the Kids’ Lit Quiz is no casual trivia night. It tests students on everything from obscure classics and modern YA novels to mythology, poetry, and comic book lore. Behind their success in Paihia were countless hours of grit and preparation: Dawn Training: The team committed to rigorous practice sessions twice a week (one session at 6:30 AM), long before the regular school day even started. Mastering Strategy: Beyond just reading, they honed their buzzer speed, risk management, and collaborative decision-making under intense pressure. Their perseverance paid off on the global stage, proving that hard work and early mornings translate into world-class results. Flying the Flag for Bangkok Prep and Thailand Beyond the high-stakes buzzer rounds at the Scenic Hotel in Paihia, the trip was a celebration of global friendship, culture, and a shared love for stories. Meena, Nelly, Panwara, and Pinta represented not only Bangkok Prep with utmost grace and sportsmanship, but also carried the pride of the entire Kingdom of Thailand. A massive thank you goes out to: The Parents who supported those early 6:30 AM drop-offs, the competitions, and even joining the team in New Zealand. Jai Domrongchareon, whose contributions during the National Finals were key to reaching New Zealand. Inspiring the Next Generation of Readers To Meena, Nelly, Panwara, and Pinta: Congratulations! Your Bangkok Prep community could not be prouder of your remarkable 4th-place finish. You have shown us all what is possible when curiosity meets hard work and camaraderie. To all our aspiring young readers at Bangkok Prep: the library doors are open, and the early morning buzzer practice might just be calling your name! Contact Coach Hilderbrand @ahilderbrand@bkkprep.ac.th for how you can get involved or sign up for the FREE ECA on Tuesday afternoons.
