Local high schoolers shine in essay program

Kent State University at Trumbull English instructors Ana Wetzl, Ph.D., and James Canacci, have announced the winners of the Second Annual Excite to Write program, an essay writing contest geared toward area high school juniors, seniors, and honor students.  

Kenneth Wallace, a sophomore at Mathews High School, captured first-place honors in Academic Writing with his piece, "The Dehumanization of Jews in Night,", while Jacqueline Smith, a junior at Lakeview High School, finished first in the Creative Writing/Personal Narrative category with "Quenching Fire."

In all, 37 works were submitted, which were then reviewed by Kent State Trumbull English faculty and tutors, with reviewers having no knowledge of the author before or after reading the piece.

"Excite to Write exists to recognize the excellent work produced by student writers before they enter college, because good writing skills matter and should be rewarded," said Wetzl. "The program also looks to strengthen Kent State Trumbull's connection with local high school students, which make up most of its student body."

Canacci noted that the program does not create additional work for teachers or students, as all submissions were papers that students had already written for one of their regular English courses.

Winning entries may be read via the Excite to Write page on our website.

###

Photo caption: 
Excite to Write winners Jacqueline Smith (front row, center) and Kenneth Wallace (front row, right), join runner-up Katherine Fry (front row, left) at the 2015 Kent State Trumbull Honors College reception on April 24, 2015. Teachers (back row, left to right) Melissa Sydlowski, Angela Sarko, Natalie Bolino and Excite to Write co-founder, Dr. Ana Wetzl are also pictured.

POSTED: Thursday, April 23, 2015 10:24 AM
Updated: Saturday, December 3, 2022 01:02 AM
WRITTEN BY:
Kent State University at Trumbull