Junior Receives a Certificate of Superior Writing


The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) awarded Junior Linsey Szabo with a Certificate of Superior Writing – the highest distinction given in the NCTE Competition.

Linsey learned about the competition through Senior School English Chair Mrs. Ann Russell and submitted the required two pieces of writing, one for best writing and the other had a theme. She used her Scholastic Art and Writing piece, which was awarded a Gold Key in the 2018 Scholastic Art and Writing Competition, for the best writing category. “The themed writing was about changing the narrative,” Linsey explained. “I knew I wanted to incorporate current world issues or current news. When I was writing this piece, Dr. Nassar had just had his trial, and many celebrities had been accused of sexual assault. As a young woman, these issues concerned me, and I figured that I could write about changing the narrative while centralizing my point around these current issues.”

Mrs. Russell, Linsey’s English teacher, shared the news with her and described the significance of the award. “This year, schools nominated 462 students. Of that number, 227 received Certificates of Superior Writing and 235 received Certificates of Nomination. Each student submitted two pieces of writing. Two independent judges scored each submission on expression of ideas, language use, and unique perspective and voice.”

“I was really excited to hear I had earned a Certificate of Superior Writing. I enjoy the writing process down to the specific word choice, because at the end I really get to appreciate what I have written and how all the individual pieces I started with have all been artfully intertwined,” Linsey said.

As the school year winds down, Linsey hopes to keep her writing skills sharp. “I am currently researching writing programs for the summer,” she said. “I am so happy to have discovered my passion for writing this year. It's something new and exciting that I can't wait to further pursue.”

“Write” on, Linsey!

Read Linsey's pieces.

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