A Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board graduate took home not one but two prizes in a creative writing contest.
Nicki Startek, who graduated from Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School in June, won second place in both the poetry and short fiction categories in the Hamilton Public Library’s 2018 “Power of the Pen” Creative Writing Contest.
“After a few writing assignments, I was awed by her writing ability and told her so,” said Darrell D’Souza, Nicki’s grade 11 and 12 English teacher. “I’d like to say I did more, but in truth I just noticed how great of a writer she was and encouraged her to explore this part of her artistic talent/intelligence.”
Power of the Pen is an annual poetry and short story contest for teens offered by the Hamilton Public Library in partnership with The Hamilton Spectator.
In January, Nicki presented her work — a poem titled “Puddles” and a short story called “VIntage Space” — before a “Power of the Pen” judge who awarded her second place in both categories.
“Nicki always showed exceptional intelligence and was a pleasure to teach in class,” said D’Souza.
In addition to writing, Nicki was also a member of the Bishop Ryan field hockey and showed a passion for painting and drawing. She is currently an illustration student at OCAD University in Toronto.
Please join us in congratulating Nicki Startek for her creative writing wins.
