SUPERINTENDENT'S CROSS-CURRICULUM WRITING AWARD WINNERS

For more than three decades, scholars in elementary, middle and high school have been encouraged to demonstrate their literary talents in this showcase, started by the late Edmund Vallejo, a D60 educator and Superintendent, who valued the importance of writing.

 

Scholars in grades 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 were given the opportunity to submit pieces in Expository and Creative Writing categories. In all, 90 submissions were received and judged by a panel of District administrators, with first-through-third place winners honored Tuesday evening in the Centennial auditorium.

 

Coordinated by D60 Literary Specialist Kim McLaughlin, the ceremony was preceded by an address by Superintendent Charlotte Macaluso, who expressed her appreciation and congratulations to this year’s winners.

 

1) Claire Huffine, Minnequa “The Case of the Missing Crown” (Teacher: Annika Callahan)

2) Ellings Pogue, Heritage “Jake and the Dirty Camping Trip” (Teacher: Jessica Kolosso)

3) John Trivett, Belmont “What If I…” (Teacher: Amy Greenfield)

 

1) Junia Hargrove, Beulah Heights “How YOU Can Change Someone’s Life” (Teacher: Debra Johnson-Champ)

2) Nayeli Zamarripa-Maes, Haaff “Snowflakes” (Teacher: Shari Elson)

3) Ciano Montano, Highland Park “Before It’s Gone” (Teacher: Kristen Torres)

 

1) Isaac Stroo, Corwin “Chat with AI” (Teacher: Timothy Bratina)

2) Colt Krasovec, Goodnight “Ranger” (Teacher: Justin Shue/Michael Krasovec)

3) Naveah Martinez, Corwin “Missing Mom” (Teacher: Timothy Bratina)

 

1) Emma Sharp, East “Breathe” (Teacher: Terri Pacheco)

2) Natalie Rivera, South “Little Women” (Teacher: Michelle Highfill)

3) Trinity Guidice, East “Stay Another Day” (Teacher: Tiffany Simony)

 

1) T. Gillespie, Centennial “Untitled” (Teacher: Tara Armendariz)

2) Grace Venn, Central “Just Do You” (Teacher: Shaynee Jesik)

3) Eliza Pedro, East “La Gente de Pueblo/The Pueblo from Pueblo” (Teacher: Dusty Baca)

 

1) Rylan Duncan, Heritage “The Star Spangled Banner” (Teacher: Amy Pelz)

2) Emily Burrer, Fountain “Expository Compare/Contrast” (Teacher: Cindy Gradishar)

3) Steve Hernandez-Garcia, Bessemer Academy “A Chair for my Mother” (Teacher: Marianne Godinez)

 

1) Angeliyah Najera, Franklin “Madam C.J. Walker” (Teacher: Desiree Romero)

2) Sean Pitchford, South Park “Our Galaxy” (Teacher: Edith Calhoun)

3) Anushka Amin, Haaff “Untitled” (Teacher: Shari Elson)

 

1) Baylee Lynn Martinez, Heaton “Fall of Rome” (Teacher: Joseph Sanchez)

2) Nazariah J. Sweat, Risley “Untitled” (Teacher: Lane Aldinger)

3) Cadence Bancrof, Risley “Untitled” (Teacher: Victoria Farmer)

 

1) Catlin Bonicelli, South “Speak: A Critical Analysis from a Feminist Perspective” (Teacher: Michelle Highfill)

2) Jordan Alfonso, Central “The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet: Who is to Blame?” (Teacher: Cody Griebel)

3) Gabrielle Rica Powell, South “Untitled” (Teacher: Tony Filpi)

 

1) Silem Marcial, Central “Clickbait: The Best Inconvenience” (Teacher: Shaynee Jesik)

2) Jonah Park, South “Freedom and Safety in Modern Society” (Teacher: Alicia Abraham)

3) John Blanco, Central “Social Media’s Impact on Generation Z’s Language Development and Vocabulary Acquisition and the Hidden Impact of African American Vernacular Language” (Teacher: Shaynee Jesik)