Students at Carlisle High School as well as Lamberton and Wilson Middle School have received numerous awards from the 2014 Scholastic Art and Writing Contest.

The Scholastic Art and Writing Contest recognized roughly 130 students from the Carlisle Area School District (CASD). Of this number, 32 students received the top honor of a Gold Key in the contest, which means their work will move on to the national level.

“The Scholastic writing contest invites students to develop ideas into pieces of writing. In crafting the words and lines, students find their voices and discover their talents,” said Kathi Bletz, head of the English department at Carlisle.

Many teachers are involved with the writing process alongside their students. English teachers make themselves available to students to aid them in creating a final piece of writing.

“I do the same thing that an editor does for a publishing writer– I point out things that I like, I note any confusing parts or places that aren’t quite working, and then I give a few specific suggestions for how to improve the next draft” said Jason Griffith, a 10th grade English teacher at Carlisle.

The Scholastic Art and Writing Contest gives all students a chance to express themselves in a new way they never have before.

“My advice for anyone would be to take risks and not be afraid to try new styles of writing. The worth thing that can happen is that you won’t win,” said junior Alex Ruf, winner of a Gold Key for her poetry.

For a list of all recognized Scholastic writers and artists, click here.