Allison Z. ’26 Earns Recognition in Princeton Ten-Minute Play Contest
Allison Z. ’26 has been awarded Honorable Mention in Princeton University’s Program in Theater Ten-Minute Play Contest for her original work A Family Scandal. The prestigious competition, open exclusively to 11th-grade students, drew a large number of submissions, making Allison’s recognition a significant accomplishment.
A Family Scandal is a family drama that blends mystery with nuanced interpersonal dynamics. The play demonstrates Allison’s ability to build layered characters and compelling tension within the constraints of the ten-minute format.
Upper School English Teacher and Writers Center Coordinator Rachel Pringle has nurtured many students over the years to submit their work and give their writing a public life. She reflects, "I'm delighted that Poly students are taking advantage of the numerous writing opportunities available to them. As the Writers Center Coordinator, I greatly enjoy helping students with writing they do just for fun and helping them find a contest, forum, or publication where they can share their work. In just the first month of school, I've met with budding poets, curious playwrights, and students looking to start a Poly research journal."
Upper School English Teacher and Writers Center Coordinator Rachel Pringle has nurtured many students over the years to submit their work and give their writing a public life. She reflects, "I'm delighted that Poly students are taking advantage of the numerous writing opportunities available to them. As the Writers Center Coordinator, I greatly enjoy helping students with writing they do just for fun and helping them find a contest, forum, or publication where they can share their work. In just the first month of school, I've met with budding poets, curious playwrights, and students looking to start a Poly research journal."
“Writing this play was one of my most rewarding creative experiences,” said Allison. “The 10-page limit pushed me to go deep into just three characters, making them distinct yet still dynamic, and I loved ‘becoming’ each of them as I wrote. I appreciate this award because it recognizes the care I put into making the story feel alive. I think it’s proof that even in ten minutes, a play can have real complexity, which is what I love most about writing.”
Allison’s accomplishment highlights both her talent as a playwright and her dedication to the craft of storytelling. Her recognition in a nationally competitive contest reflects not only her creativity, but also her ability to bring authentic voices to the stage.
And since her return from her outdoor education trip, Allison found out that she is a finalist for the Rattle Poetry Prize, a writing competition open to writers of all ages. She placed in the top 10 out of 25,000 submissions which results in her work being published in Rattle magazine and an award of $500. And on top of that accolade, Allison also found out that she was named a commended poet for the Foyle Young Poets Award (top 85 out of 28,000 submissions).
"There are so many writing opportunities available to high schoolers, and these opportunities go beyond traditional creative writing. Each year, I promote writing contests focused on history, science, nature, journalism, art and culture, among many others. Allison has been one of our most prolific writers, and she's explored many genres. It's exciting to see her work recognized and honored by multiple institutions," Rachel Pringle explained.
Prolific, indeed! We are excited to see Poly's young writers spread their work in publications and share their words to others in the world.
And since her return from her outdoor education trip, Allison found out that she is a finalist for the Rattle Poetry Prize, a writing competition open to writers of all ages. She placed in the top 10 out of 25,000 submissions which results in her work being published in Rattle magazine and an award of $500. And on top of that accolade, Allison also found out that she was named a commended poet for the Foyle Young Poets Award (top 85 out of 28,000 submissions).
"There are so many writing opportunities available to high schoolers, and these opportunities go beyond traditional creative writing. Each year, I promote writing contests focused on history, science, nature, journalism, art and culture, among many others. Allison has been one of our most prolific writers, and she's explored many genres. It's exciting to see her work recognized and honored by multiple institutions," Rachel Pringle explained.
Prolific, indeed! We are excited to see Poly's young writers spread their work in publications and share their words to others in the world.
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