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MHS Students Receive Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

A group of 10 Milton Hershey School students were recently recognized at the regional Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. The program is designed to recognize the ingenuity and talent of youth across the nation and celebrate students’ expression and creativity.

“The power of recognition is immense for young artists and writers alike. For our students at MHS, this power takes on added value when it arrives at the conclusion of focused work and determination to be heard,” said Tony Sedun, a middle school English teacher at MHS. “It is my hope that this recognition will propel their efforts forward in the future to keep expressing themselves with precision and power.”

MHS students submitted pieces of writing and artwork in poetry, short story, personal essay, and drawing and illustration categories. Six students were awarded honorable mentions, one student was recognized with a Silver Key, and three students received Gold Keys—the highest honor awarded in the competition.

“Achieving this award is a true honor. It shows me the power writing has on society and my peers,” said MHS freshman Arlene Samayoa-Rodas who received a Gold Key for her personal essay. “With writing, I am able to express myself and allow others to understand me. I am truly humbled and grateful.”

MHS students at Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Students who received Gold and Silver Keys were invited to attend the regional Scholastic awards ceremony on Saturday, March 9 where they were recognized for their artistic abilities.

“Winning an award for creativity makes me feel accomplished,” said MHS eighth-grader Emily Witmer. “Creativity is a very important part of today’s society and it makes me feel excited that it’s being recognized.”

  • Precious Garley, an MHS eighth-grader, received a Gold Key for her poetry titled “Overcomer” and “Lately I’ve Been…”
  • Arlene Samayoa-Rodas, an MHS freshman, received a Gold Key for her personal essay/memoir titled “I Thought, I Think.”
  • Rachel Scintilla, an MHS eighth-grader, received a Gold Key for her poetry titled “Life Poems.”
  • Aundraya Dominey, an MHS seventh-grader, received a Silver Key for her short story titled “Turned Around.”
  • Maggie Creech, an MHS freshman, received an honorable mention for her poetry titled “Life.”
  • Skyler Lynch, an MHS eighth-grader, received an honorable mention for his drawing and illustrations titled “Pieces and Parts.”
  • Semora Pettaway, an MHS eighth-grader, received an honorable mention for her poetry titled “Broken Hearted.”
  • Monet Thomas, an MHS eighth-grader, received an honorable mention for her personal essay/memoir titled “The Message.”
  • Justice Vaux, an MHS freshman, received an honorable mention for her personal essay/memoir titled “Infected.”
  • Emily Witmer, an MHS eighth-grader, received an honorable mention for her poetry titled “But Everything is Different.”

Milton Hershey School does not discriminate in admissions or other programs and services on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, religious creed or disability. Read important MHS policies on equal opportunity and diversity, equal employment opportunity, and more.