Celebrating an Award from Scholastic Art & Writing!

I am thrilled to share some incredible news with all of you! I am honored to announce that I have been awarded a Silver Key at the prestigious Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for my poem. This recognition means the world to me, and I couldn't be more grateful for the support and encouragement that have brought me to this moment.

First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to my family. Their unwavering belief in me and constant encouragement have been my biggest source of strength throughout this journey. Without their love and support, I wouldn't be where I am today.

I also want to thank my teachers, whose guidance and expertise have played a pivotal role in shaping my skills and nurturing my passion for writing. Their dedication to their craft and commitment to helping their students succeed have been truly inspiring.

To my friends, thank you for always being there to lift me up, celebrate my victories, and cheer me on, even when the road seemed tough. Your friendship means the world to me, and I am so grateful to have you in my corner.

Last but certainly not least, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all my supporters, whether near or far. Your words of encouragement, kind gestures, and belief in my abilities have fueled my determination and given me the confidence to pursue my dreams.

As a token of my appreciation, I would like to share the poem that earned me this incredible honor:

Mirrored Projections

A torrent ricochets, an unnecessary retaliation against the undisclosed.

Believing shards to be held within your skull,

Yet they pierce others relentlessly. 

Bonds broken by burdens borne, 

Those kept together now distant fragments. 

Their selflessness dejectedly turns to auto-infliction

Until a void remains; helpless 

Broken glass; a reflection unrecognizable 

Loneliness fills the gaps between shattered thoughts within, 

A sonorous silence unwittingly seizing a life once sound.

Winning this Silver Key is not just a personal achievement, but a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and belief in oneself. I am incredibly humbled and honored to have been recognized among so many talented individuals, and I am excited to continue growing and evolving as a writer.

Thank you once again to everyone who has been a part of this journey. Your support has meant everything to me, and I am deeply grateful for each and every one of you.

With gratitude, Charlize Andrews