Above: Kayleigh Erickson with Mrs. Jennifer Novotney.

MMI Preparatory School Head of School Mrs. Theresa Long is proud to announce that Kayleigh Erickson ’28 has earned three honors in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for her poetry, including two Honorable Mentions and one Gold Key award. Her Gold Key-winning poem now advances to the national level of the competition, where it will be judged in New York City. National Medalists will be announced on March 25, 2026.

Kayleigh received Honorable Mention recognition for her poems “yearning” and “a ceremony by the sea,” and earned a Gold Key for her poem “girlhood.”

Kayleigh’s work was submitted as part of Academic Dean Mrs. Jennifer Novotney’s Creative Writing course, in which all students participated in the Scholastic Writing Awards this year. This classroom-wide submission reflects MMI’s commitment to authentic, real-world learning experiences that encourage students to share their voices beyond the classroom.

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative students in grades 7–12, offering opportunities for publication, exhibition, and scholarships of up to $12,500. Wilkes University serves as the Northeastern Pennsylvania regional affiliate for the writing competition and will host a regional awards ceremony on March 22, where Kayleigh and other regional honorees will be recognized.

Mrs. Long praised both Kayleigh’s achievement and the learning culture that made it possible. “Kayleigh’s success reflects the kind of student-centered learning we value at MMI. We encourage students to think deeply, take creative risks, and engage with opportunities that challenge them to grow. This recognition is a wonderful affirmation of that approach.”

Mrs. Novotney highlighted Kayleigh’s talent and dedication. “Kayleigh is a thoughtful writer whose poetry demonstrates clarity and emotional depth. I am incredibly proud of her work and of all our Creative Writing students who embraced this opportunity to put their writing into the world.”