South Middle School eighth graders named Promising Young Writers
We are pleased to share that South Middle School students Gisele Louis and Sienna Mainhart have been recognized as 2026 Promising Young Writers by the National Council of Teachers of English.
The Promising Young Writers Program represents NCTE’s commitment to early and continuing work in the development of writing. Schools in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, US territories, Canada, and American schools abroad nominated 200 students to participate in the Promising Young Writers Program.
Two to three independent judges evaluated each submission holistically on content, purpose, audience, tone, word choice, organization, development, and style. Nominated by their English teacher, Roxanne Migliacci, Gisele earned a designation of Excellent and Sienna earned the highest designation, First Class.
Both of these young women are developing into insightful writers with strong perspectives and a genuine curiosity about the world around them. They draw inspiration from current events and their classroom learning, including class novels like 'The White Mountains,' Ms. Migliacci said. It has been exciting to watch them recognize the power of their own voices to explore important ideas, and I look forward to seeing how they continue to develop as leaders in high school.
Congratulations, Gisele and Sienna!