Writers Week Strong Tradition, Commendable Effort

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This week, students are turning to a new page of thinking. Rather than analyzing literature or crafting poetry, students are changing their perceptions of what it means to be a writer.

For the past 26 years, Writers Week has thrived because the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) has worked to bring professional poets, novelists, journalists and songwriters to the school. Thanks to the collaborative effort between PTSA members and the guest writers, students have the opportunity to explore writing with a professional backdrop.

For this cause, both groups should be commended by the school and the community. And students deserve a pat on the back as well, for it is their respect and curiosity in guest writers that perpetuates Writers Weeks success.

With the Writers Week program, the school strives to expose students to some of the many different careers that stem from strong writing. Its goal, though, is even more ambitious: to both highlight how fun writing can be, and get all students, whether they like writing, excited about the power of the pen.

Though Writers Week has grown into a school tradition, the program should not be regarded lightly. PTSA members plan months in advance, seeking writers to attend, and spend “hundreds of hours” organizing the week’s events, Co-Chair Debra Strichartz said.

The PTSA’s dedication is especially apparent in its lineup of writers. Guests range from an award-winning broadcast journalist, to a novelist whose work inspired a popular television drama, to a freelance comic journalist and other professionals—all who were once regular high school students.

The diversity of guest writers not only appeals to a diverse student body, but also demonstrates how strong writers can be more than just authors—they can be artists, too.

Coming to the school, the guest writers face no small feat themselves. Regardless of their schedules, participating writers take the time to share their stories. And a classroom of 30 silent students is daunting, especially when writers are opening up about their passions.

But students have made the transition from writer to presenter as fluid as possible. When writers present, the students who engage in discussion and express an appreciation for writing are the ones who encourage writers to return in following years.

The PTSA and guest writers are a pivotal component in maintaining a strong, educational program. Students, too, should be proud for creating a welcoming environment for guests. And because of the effort put into Writers Week, it gets closer to achieving its goal every year. Writers Week has grown into a success unique to the school. With the continued support of the school community, the Writers Week tradition will persevere.