MMI Preparatory School senior Lauren Toscano won a Gold Key award in the Scholastic Writing Awards’ Northeast Writing Region-at-Large competition and will have her work advance to New York City for national consideration.
Toscano, the daughter of Jessica Toscano of Drums, won the top prize for her writing portfolio, “I Wasn’t There.” Senior Lindsey Walko and junior Joshua Narrow both won a Silver Key award and junior Olivia Minzola won Honorable Mention. Walko, the daughter of Lawrence and Debbie Brenner-Walko of Drums, won for her flash fiction entry, “Green Dress.” Narrow, the son of Howard and Marie Narrow of Hazleton, captured the award for his poem, “Whirlwind Job.” Minzola, the daughter of Joseph and Debra Minzola of Drums, received her prize for her short story, “Auntie Joe’s Most Amazing Dumb Thing.”
All four students and their adviser, MMI English instructor Jennifer Novotney, will be recognized at a ceremony at Marywood University on Saturday.
Novotney said, “I’m very proud of Lauren, Lindsey, Joshua and Olivia for the hard work and dedication they put forth in creating their entries for the competition. It’s an incredible accomplishment to advance to the national level of the Scholastic Writing Awards and we’re honored to have Lauren represent MMI Preparatory School.”
The Scholastic Writing Awards are presented by The Alliance for Young Artists and Writers. Their mission is to identify students with exceptional artistic and literary talent and present their remarkable work to the world through the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Students receive opportunities for recognition, exhibition, publication and scholarship.
Year after year, the scholastic awards program grows with increased participation from students, increasing scholarships and recognition opportunities.
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