Three Poly Students Win Scholastic Awards in Writing
Three Upper School students won national silver medals in the Scholastic Awards for writing, the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. PolyNews asked each winner to share what the award means to them, publishing their responses alongside their award-winning submissions. Read on for more from the winners.
Ryan K. ‘28 won a silver medal for Journalism for his article titled “Hügelkultur: Transformation.”
Poly has taught me that success comes from finding and pursuing my passions. I’ve really enjoyed exploring art, writing, and expressing myself through writing and photography. The Scholastic contest allowed me to combine these with my interest in environmental sustainability; my journalism article reports on the hügel that was built at Poly and the inspiring story of Leigh Adams, who began her journey in hügelkultur while rebuilding her property after a devastating fire. The story feels even more powerful in light of the recent Los Angeles fires earlier this year.
Kiera Lam ’27 won a silver medal in Humor for her story “Lava Lamp.” Read a version of her story here.
What does this award mean to me? I know this story is kind of odd, but it means a lot to me. Writing it was a way for me to hold onto this oddly specific but really magical part of my childhood through a more humorous lens.
Filiz Fish ‘26 won silver medals in Poetry for her poem “On Posture” and Personal Essay & Memoir for her piece “What Remains." Read a version of “On Posture” here.
I'm incredibly grateful to have received two Silver Medals from the Scholastic Writing Awards this year. Creative writing has always been a meaningful part of my life, and it’s rewarding to have the time and effort I dedicated to these pieces recognized. I still remember sitting in a morning meeting as a freshman, admiring the upperclassmen who had won Scholastic Awards. I feel as if I’ve reached a milestone in my time at Poly now that I’ve had my own name displayed on the Garland screen. More than anything, however, these awards have encouraged me to keep writing honestly and vulnerably—to continue sharing the personal stories that matter most to me.
Take a look at these students' pieces and join us in congratulating them!
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