Schools
Distinguished Writers Recognize Catholic Memorial's Best Creative Minds
At the ceremony, student poets Hunter Larkin, Jared Owens, Man Soo Takeda and Talink Taunusma also read selections of their poetry, composed alongside Ms. Helfgott Hyett, who currently serves as CM's writer in residence.
Some of Catholic Memorial School's finest writers were recognized by bestselling novelist Bill Martin, Boston Herald columnist Michael Connelly and acclaimed poet Barbara Helfgott Hyett at the Picturing America Writing Contest awards ceremony on January 25.
Librarian Ann Magyar welcomed parents, students, judges and guests at the ceremony in the CM Board Room on Friday. Judges Connelly and Helfgott Hyett (Mr. Martin is currently on assignment) spoke about the qualities of the winning entries and encouraged the student writers to continue their good work, and each student, when called forth, read an excerpt from his winning entry.
"Thanks to the National Endowment for the Humanities, which provides inspiring artwork to guide our contest each year, this is the fifth year that we've been able to celebrate great creative writing among our students," said Magyar.
Over $400 in cash and prizes accompanied the prize certificates for first, second, third and honorable mention places. State Senator Mike Rush (CM class of '92), whose staff attended the ceremony, sent each winner a signed citation from the State House.
At the ceremony, student poets Hunter Larkin, Jared Owens, Man Soo Takeda and Talink Taunusma also read selections of their poetry, composed alongside Ms. Helfgott Hyett, who currently serves as CM's writer in residence.
This year's winners:
Poetry
First: Jack Benjamin
Second: John Maher
Third: Rich Fleming
Honorable Mention: Matt Demmler, Ryan McKeeney
Fiction
First: Mike Fernandez
Second: Wesley Woodson
Third: Robert Ryan
Non-Fiction
First: Mike Devane
Second: Chris Vixama
Third: Chris Galofaro
William Martin (CM class of '68) is an award-winning and bestselling author of Harvard Yard, Back Bay and The Lincoln Letter. Michael Connelly (CM '82) is author of The President's Team: The 1963 Army-Navy Game and the Assassination of JFK and Rebound!: Basketball, Busing, Larry Bird, and the Rebirth of Boston. Barbara Helfgott Hyett is the author of several books of verse including Rift.
