32 Brilliant English Students Earn Top Honors in Scholastic Writing Awards

January 28, 2026

The English Department had 32 students earn Gold Keys, Silver Keys, or Honorable Mentions for their writing in the regional Scholastic Art and Writing Awards competition this year.

Three students, sophomores Vivian Lipps and Meghan Runte and senior Kaelin Timko, earned Gold Key Awards, the highest regional honor. Their work automatically advances to the national level of competition.

Founded in 1923, the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. Notable alumni include Stephen King, Truman Capote, Ken Burns, Sylvia Plath, Joyce Carol Oates, and Amanda Gorman.

The remaining 28 students earned either a Silver Key Award or an Honorable Mention. All award recipients are invited to attend a recognition reception at the Art Academy of Cincinnati on Feb. 6.

Silver Key Award Winners
Sophomores: Frankie Colonna, Montgomery Gibson, Morgan Taleff
Seniors: Ayla Dickerson, Clare Goldbach, Ava Hudson, Sarah Hutchinson, Carter Kent, Bri Lach, Ryan Moss, Caleb Naumann, Allie Runte

Honorable Mention
Sophomores: Athena Andreadis, Therse Bursa, Michael Esposito, Winnie Hums, Linley Stenger
Junior: Charlotte Cooley
Seniors: Lauren Beiser, Mia Colonna, Natalie Cox, Josie Fortin, Maggie Martin, Gracie Mastruserio, Grace McCafferty, Madison McPherson, Delaney Rains, Addy Russo, Lucinda Thompson

"I am so proud of each of them. Being recognized for their writing at the regional level among thousands of entries is such an accomplishment. This is the greatest number of winners we have had in one year, and I am hopeful that it will continue to grow in the future," said English Department Chair Angie Noble.

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