Talent was on full display inside Presidents’ Hall on the Fitchburg State University campus on Tuesday afternoon.
Students from Fitchburg High, Leominster High, North Middlesex Regional, Oakmont Regional and Monty Tech were celebrated for their inspiring work in the university’s annual High School Writing Contest. Student literary pieces were selected by a committee of English Studies faculty at the university, who admired the quality and promise of the writing.
“Every time I serve on this committee, I would say one of the best parts is getting the chance to read so much wonderful writing from students,” said Associate Professor Katharine Covino, who co-chairs the contest with Associate Professor Wafa Unus. “This year, we had a truly robust and highly-competitive level of participation, almost double what it was last year. The influx of essays and poetry meant that those of us on the committee had the chance to learn so much more about the lives of students in our area.
“Purposefully designed to reflect and reinforce President Donna Hodge’s ‘Year of Momentum,’ this year’s prompt offered innumerable points of access for student writers,” said Covino. “Whether school, sports, family, or mental health – different writers all connected with momentum in different ways. Each piece proved illuminating and enriching – each showcased a different voice and experience. It is always a real privilege to get to know these students through their work.”
First-place winners were allowed to read their work aloud if they wanted to do so at the ceremony. Winners received gift cards to the Fitchburg State University Bookstore, as well as certificates of recognition, and had their photos taken with the High School Writing Contest Committee. Winners were also invited to have their pieces published in the Fitchburg State University literary magazine, Route 2, along with selected writing and art contributed by Fitchburg State undergraduate students.
Brooke Logan, a first-place poetry winner from North Middlesex, read her poem titled, “Momentum.”
After Logan’s reading, she walked back to seat and witnessed her father and sister in tears.
“I felt like I made them proud and they were happy for me,” said Logan.
Logan said that was the first time her family members heard her poem.
“I wanted to surprise them,” said Logan.
After the ceremony, students and families were invited to take a brief campus tour.
Professor Kisha Tracy, who chairs the English Studies Department, said students should be aware of the opportunities for English majors.
“It is one of the most flexible and versatile majors that a student can do as it can prepare them for a number of different careers and jobs, allowing for a wide variety of choices,” said Tracy. “Our students go into education, journalism, media and communications of all kinds, law school, libraries, editing and publishing, public relations, graduate school, museum work and non-profits. The list really is endless. Almost every employer is looking for the skills that we develop: communication, creative and critical thinking, analysis, research, independent thinking, etc. And on top of all that, English Studies is just fun.”
Oakmont Regional sophomore Javian Aquino was awarded first place for poetry. Aquino said that what he wrote for the competition was based purely on his experience of growing as a student, beginning as a freshman.
“Winning gave me a great feeling of relief, being able to look back and see how far I've grown, and opening my eyes to realize that what I'm writing can be understood and seen,” said Aquino.
Aquino said his passion for writing comes from his ability to express himself through writing without having to express it through words.
“Writing makes me feel a variety of things depending on what I'm writing,” said Aquino. “I often write poetry with topics like art, freedom, or philosophical views. When I write poetry, I aim to challenge myself and attempt to write poems with different structures, as well as more detail in my wording and line breaks. I have nearly 25 poems in my collection, each with a separate scheme, with the rhyming and wording I use. Not only do I write, but I also use things we learn in creative writing, as we learn them, always getting new ideas down in class and aiming for feedback from both teachers and peers.”
Oakmont junior Alana Zappa, who won first place for her essay, said that writing in her life has become not only a passion but an outlet.
“Whether it’s escaping the real world by creating a reality of my own or my own personal therapy of releasing challenges I’ve undergone, writing can bring me somber accompanied by comfort as well as feelings of pride and satisfaction,” said Zappa.
Zappa’s essay was written directly from the heart.
“For the competition, the piece I chose to write broke down some of the struggles I went through,” said Zappa. “Winning this contest felt as if closure was granted, speaking up after so long and being rewarded for doing so.”
Oakmont English teacher Mark Nevard ‘04 said that it’s so inspiring to see his students try all types of writing, and eventually his students find their voice.
“When we appreciate a piece in class, it makes us feel good, but when a piece is awarded by a professional writing community like the Fitchburg State English Department, it adds an entirely different level of confirmation and accomplishment,” said Nevard. “Each year, I thank FSU for this opportunity. Also, being published in Route 2 and having the opportunity to read your piece at such a meaningful ceremony is a life-long memory and a writing inspiration.”
Leominster junior Emma Wood said she was proud to win first place for essay writing.
“I’ve never submitted any of my writing before this year, so the idea that I could win something like this is incredible,” said Wood. “I feel very confident in my writing skills and the work that I put into it. The idea of winning is insane.”
Students said they were thankful that Fitchburg State showcased their work.
“Being recognized by Fitchburg State University felt not only as if I had been seen for my writing, but also in my way to take my most challenging time and turn it into something I can be proud of,” said Zappa. “I hope that anyone who reads my piece understands struggling in silence is never the answer, things will get better, and you are not alone.”
“There are so many people like me who like to write and share their feelings – some people who never thought about writing before get this opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings in ways they didn’t before,” said Wood. “This is amazing.”
“When I received the letter from Fitchburg State University, having them recognize me for my writing made me feel that my writing has a voice and can be put out into the world to maybe inspire the next writer who's too scared to give it a shot, or with this specific piece inspire a student who wants to slack and take a back seat on their grades move up and take the wheel and thrive,” said Aquino.
Fitchburg State alumna Autumn Lombardi '20 '25, now a dedicated teacher at Fitchburg High, was honored by the university’s English Studies Department for her remarkable ability to ignite a lifelong passion for writing in her students.
The following students were recognized:
Fitchburg High essay: Alynette Diaz (1st), Angieveth Morales Guzman (2nd), Christian Ventura (3rd).
Fitchburg High poetry: Jose Brito (1st), Aureliah Edmond (2nd), Dawna Mendes (3rd), Analeise Maldonado and Leah Witzgall (honorable mention).
Leominster High essay: Emma Wood (1st), Maia Ramos (2nd), Jaylianiys Collazo (3rd).
Monty Tech poetry: Jackson Davis (1st), Colyn Lloyd (2nd), Madi Carroll (3rd), Vanialy Mathieu and Charles Fetzner (honorable mention).
North Middlesex Regional essay: Colin Taylor (1st), Cameron Troiano (2nd), Abigail Ouellette (3rd), Kyle Graham and Madison Mitchell (honorable mention).
North Middlesex Regional poetry: Booke Logan (1st), Dathan Du (2nd), Asher Denk-Cole (3rd), Noah Mance and Kenneth Vettrus (honorable mention).
Oakmont Regional essay: Alana Zappa (1st), Cecilia Maki Morales (2nd), Audrey Hebenton (3rd), Aubrey Chagnon (honorable mention).
Oakmont Regional poetry: Javian Aquino (1st), Grace Alatalo (2nd), Emma Goodwin (3rd).