Plymouth Students Achieve Recognition in International Memoir Contest

News Summary

Two talented seniors from Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, Sarah Moore and Dana Sassine, have made their mark by ranking in the top 20 of the New York Times international short memoir contest out of over 12,000 entries. Their poignant narratives, which were part of a class project, showcase the remarkable storytelling skills of these young writers, bringing recognition not only to them but to their school community.

Plymouth’s Bright Stars Shine in International Memoir Contest!

In a delightful turn of events, two talented students from Plymouth-Canton Community Schools have truly made their mark by ranking in the top 20 of the prestigious New York Times international short memoir contest! Out of a staggering number of over 12,000 entries from students around the world, these young stars, seniors Sarah Moore and Dana Sassine from Canton High School, have showcased their remarkable storytelling skills with just 100 words each.

The Winning Memoirs

Let’s peek into these impressive works. Sarah Moore’s memoir, “A Letter to My Biological Mother,”, offers a heartfelt reflection on her thoughts regarding their relationship and her deep-seated desire to connect. This piece beautifully captures the complexities of familial bonds and the yearning for understanding.

On the other hand, Dana Sassine’s “Wearing My Truth” takes us on a personal journey as she describes her experience of wearing a hijab for the very first time. Through her narrative, Dana tackles themes of identity, self-acceptance, and empowerment, highlighting the invaluable support she received from her mother and peers.

Finalists Who Deserve a Shoutout!

But wait, there’s more! Besides Sarah and Dana, three other impressive P-CCS students were recognized as finalists in this challenging contest. Madeline Lenk from Canton High School, along with Patrick Ward and Ye Won Paek from Plymouth High School, also showcased exceptional storytelling skills, further shining a light on the incredible talent coming out of this community.

A Special Class Project

The winning submissions weren’t just random acts of creativity; they were part of a class project in Olivia Foster’s 21st Century Global Issues and Literature class at Plymouth High School. Students poured their hearts into this assignment, exploring their experiences and weaving them into poignant narratives that resonated deeply.

After submitting their memoirs to the New York Times late last year, a panel of esteemed judges carefully reviewed all the entries. From a mountain of submissions, they whittled down the total to just 120 finalists, which included a wonderful mix of 20 winners, 28 runners-up, and 72 honorable mentions. The judging process reflects the immense talent found across participating schools.

Celebrating the Achievements

The success of these students has left P-CCS Superintendent Dr. Monica L. Merritt feeling immensely proud of their achievements. She highlighted the importance of storytelling as a powerful tool for understanding and connecting with others. It’s not just about winning; it’s about sharing meaningful life experiences and fostering empathy through narrative.

Stories that Resonate

Both winning memoirs are now accessible on the New York Times website, allowing everyone to immerse themselves in these heartfelt accounts. The contest not only brings recognition to these budding writers but also encourages students everywhere to embrace the art of storytelling, unveiling narratives that can touch hearts and minds.

In conclusion, the success of Sarah Moore, Dana Sassine, and their fellow finalists showcases the incredible abilities of Plymouth-Canton Community Schools students. Their talent and creativity are undoubtedly something to celebrate as they continue to inspire others with their stories. Here’s to more brilliance emerging from this vibrant community!

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Additional Resources

• The Canton Citizen: Canton Writes
• The New York Times: Teen Tiny Memoirs Contest
• Canton Repository: Writing Groups
• Wikipedia: Memoir
• The Globe and Mail: Best Books of 2024
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Memoir