Unlocking Success: PVS Takes Scholastic Gold Key

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. Alliance for the Arts and Writing is a nonprofit organization that identifies students who are exceptionally talented in the arts and literary fields and presents their work to the world via the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. The Awards give students opportunities for recognition, exhibition, publication, and scholarships. Notable writers who have won Scholastic Awards in the past include Amanda Gorman (2015), John Updike (1948), and Joyce Carol Oates (1956).

Each year, over 200,000 entries in the categories of poetry, short story, and personal essay are submitted from students across the country. The awards for Scholastic include Honorable Mention, Silver Key, and Gold Key. For the past three years, PVS students have competed in this competition and have won numerous Silver Key awards.

This year, out of a record 230,000 national entries, our very own Zainab Malik (junior) received PVS’s first Scholastic Gold Key, the highest award in this competition. Harris Siddiqui (junior) also received an Honorable Mention for his piece, “Summer Camp 9002.” Zainab’s poem, “Dimension,” conveys how the meaning of home has fluctuated in Zainab’s life as she has grown older. Zainab says that she registered her work because it gave her a sense of confidence that the judges see value in her work.

English teacher Jennifer Alejo also noted the highly competitive nature of the Scholastic Awards. “Our students have a ton of creative talent, and this competition provides them with an outlet to display that talent on a national stage,” said Mrs. Alejo. “We are always proud of our winners because to win any award in this competition is a success, but for the school to win a Gold Key after only three years of competing is remarkable.”

Congratulations to our juniors for their success!