Seventh Grade Writing Competition Winner

By: Maddy Varano

This past month, Cora Chenier, a seventh grader at Portland Middle School, became a top finalist for a creative writing competition called “Letters about Literature" through UConn's NEAG's Program called "Connecticut Writing Project." The competition, held nationally for students in grades 4-12, invites young writers to craft letters to authors whose work has made a lasting impact on their lives. In Connecticut, hundreds of students submit letters each year, and only a select few are chosen as finalists and winners across the three different grade levels. 

What set Chenier’s letter apart was not only her writing ability, but the courage she showed in addressing themes of social injustice. Instead of praising an author for inspiration, she challenged one she once admired. In her letter to J.K. Rowling, Chenier expressed her disappointment over the controversial and hurtful remarks the author has made in recent years. “I wrote to JK Rowling about the horrible things she has said on the internet because those books were a very big part of my childhood and I was astounded by what she said.” 

Chenier wrote this letter as part of Portland Middle School’s new Creative Writing Club which launched earlier this school year under the guidance of English teacher and club advisor Sara Green. In just its first year, the club has already fostered a space for thoughtful and expressive student voices to grow–and Chenier’s accomplishment is a testament to that. 

“Not only did her letter stand out because of her ability with writing and her skill with language,” said Ms. Green, “but Cora did something very unique, which is basically saying, ‘this isn’t ok and I’m taking a stand and now what I look for in an author is also someone who’s genuine outside of the page.’” 

On April 11th, Chenier was invited to the Capitol Building in Hartford to accept her top prize award in the Level two category (7-8 grade) at a ceremony honoring winners from across Connecticut. As part of the event, she had the opportunity to read her letter aloud to an audience of students, educators, judges, and state officials. 

The success of students like Chenier has inspired the Creative Writing Club to expand in the coming new year, with thoughts of collaborating with the high school students. Chenier’s achievements serve as a reminder that no matter how old, students can tackle complex issues, engage critically in the world around them, and use their voices to spark meaningful conversations.