Stritch announces 2019-20 Paula Friedman Excellence in Writing Award winners
The Paula Friedman Excellence in Writing Awards is a yearly writing competition open to all high school students in Milwaukee. It rewards the finest entries in the genres of fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction and academic essay writing. Submissions are judged by the Stritch English Department faculty and students in the Senior Writing Seminar class and Clare editorial board members. Winners are announced and awarded $500 for first place; $300 for second place; and $200 for third place each spring.
The Excellence in Writing Awards are named for former Stritch English Professor Paula Friedman, who retired in 2013 after 35 years at the University. Revered for her highly-engaged teaching style and rigorous standards, Paula impacted generations of students, instilling a lifelong love of learning and aesthetic appreciation of beauty. Of this competition, Paula says, “All words matter, but some words make us understand our lives, the joys and sorrows, the questions, the challenges. These are the words that we want to read and remember. This contest celebrates the power of your words.”
Congratulations to the 2019-20 winners:
First Place: Kaitlyn Hippe, Rufus King International High School, for A Letter of Grievance (Fiction)
Second Place: Edwin Chiquito, Carmen High School of Science and Technology – South Campus, for 3:00 a.m. (Poetry)
Third Place: Stella DacQuisto, Rufus King International High School, for Promised (Fiction)
Honorable Mention:
Catherine Burling, Harborside Academy, for What’s Left (Fiction)
Nailea De La Torre, Carmen High School of Science and Technology – South Campus, for to my heart (Poetry)
Arlet Nicolas, Carmen High School of Science and Technology – South Campus, for Tiny Family (Poetry)
Dana J. Ramirez, Carmen High School of Science and Technology – South Campus, for The Divine (Poetry)
Natalie Reynolds, Veritas High School, for Terminal (Poetry)