Central Academy Students Earn Top Honors in Scholastic Writing Competition
Ten Central Academy Advanced Creative Writing students received recognition from the University of Iowa’s Belin-Blank Center for their entries in the 2013 Midwest Region Scholastic Writing Awards, including earning several top honors in the competition.
Submissions were judged by luminaries in the visual and literary arts, some of whom are past award recipients. Panelists look for works that best exemplify originality, technical skill and the emergence of a personal voice or vision.
Three students received a Gold Key award, the highest level of achievement and whose submissions will be considered for national-level recognition. They are:
| Name | Home School | Grade | Entry |
| William Karr | Roosevelt | 12 | Palmer |
| Nathan Leys | Roosevelt | 12 | @ |
| Ben Sides | Lincoln | 12 | Fragments |
Two students received a Silver Key award, which is awarded to approximately 10 to 15 percent of all regional submissions. They are:
| Name | Home School | Grade | Entry |
| Grace Anshutz | Roosevelt | 12 | The Seemingly Most Unlikely “pinner” |
| True Wheeldon | East | 12 | Anima |
Five students received Honorable Mention. They are:
| Name | Home School | Grade | Entry |
| Eric Chen | WDM Valley | 12 | One |
| Jennifer Hugg | Roosevelt | 12 | The Barn Fire |
| Elaina Steenson | Roosevelt | 12 | Dysplaced |
| Milena Torres | Lincoln | 12 | Grey Hound Station |
| Kate Will | Roosevelt | 12 | All of My Heroes Are Fictional |
Teens in grades 7 through 12 can apply in 28 categories of art and writing for the chance to earn scholarships and have their works exhibited or published. Students who win at the regional level are celebrated at local ceremonies and have their work showcased in exhibitions, publications and at public readings. National Medalists are celebrated at a prestigious Carnegie Hall ceremony and have their work showcased in reputable galleries in New York City.
Central Academy’s Advanced Creative writing teachers are Sherry Brooks, Amy Finnegan, Catie Miller and Diane Morain.
The Belin-Blank Center serves as the Iowa Affiliate and the Midwest Region-at-Large Affiliate of the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers for the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have an impressive legacy dating back to 1923 and a noteworthy roster of past winners including Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath, Truman Capote, Richard Avedon, Robert Redford and Joyce Carol Oates.
