The Socorro Independent School District has proudly showcased the talents of its young authors in the 39th Annual Literary Anthology, a collection featuring the work of student writers from all grade levels within the district. According to SISD News, the anthology includes a variety of genres, from essays to graphic novels, penned by ninety-one students who've earned top honors at their respective schools.
Among the showcased student authors is Armani Puentes, a fifth grader from Vista Del Sol Environmental Science Academy, who took first place with an essay discussing the pay disparity between professional athletes and essential workers. Puentes told SISD News, "I was watching a game, and I realized that they're getting paid a lot, and people like firefighters and police officers and doctors aren’t being paid as much as them." His observation offers a mature insight that belies his young age and highlights the platform the anthology provides to express personal viewpoints and to critically engage with societal issues.
This year's literary celebration also saw Pepper Sparks, an eighth grader from Capt. Walter E. Clarke Middle School takes first place with its graphic novel "Birdcage." Sparks discovered her literary passion through classroom assignments and realized writing to be a significant outlet for her creativity. Similarly, Socorro High School junior Adrian Martinez won for his argumentative essay on the presence of AI in the classroom, aiming to educate peers and faculty on the potential benefits. Martinez believes the program is a robust opportunity for student writers, saying, "It's a beautiful way to express your ideas and feelings," according to his interview with SISD News.
The anthology selection begins at the campus level, with winning entries moving up to be re-evaluated at the district level to eventually determine the final placements. First-place winners, aside from being published, are recognized at a special event, which was held on May 3. Irene Mendez, SISD instructional officer for secondary Reading Language Arts, highlighted the significance of this experience stating, "Seeing themselves as an author is one in a million things that they don't usually experience." She pointed out the unique opportunity the students receive to identify as published authors, as shared by the SISD News.
