Phoebe Rusch and Annie Reece, senior creative writing students at Interlochen Arts Academy, are among the top young writers in the nation.
Rusch, a second year student from Chicago, and third year student Reece of St. Paul, Minn., were named among the 12 national winners of the Scholastic Art and Writing Award by The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers.
More than 15,000 students entered the scholarship contest in 25 categories of art and writing. Submissions were evaluated locally and nationally by a panel of jurors comprised of renowned artists, authors and educators. Rusch and Reece were two of the five national winners of the Portfolio Gold Award for writing, earning a cash award of $10,000 for their body of work.
Rusch, who has already experienced success as the author of a critically acclaimed play produced by the Theater Alliance in Washington DC last summer, included poems, stories and short dramatic scripts focusing on her interest in global issues.
"Phoebe had a very strong voice that is apparent throughout her portfolio,” said Bryan Doerries, senior manager of national programs for the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, the non profit group that administers the scholarship program.
Rusch, who will have another of her plays open in New York City in June, has also been named a Presidential Scholar.
Reece submitted long and short poems, as well as stories and a dramatic script focusing on more intimate issues.
"Reece explored difficult issues in original ways which is no small accomplishment,” Doerries said.
Anne Marie Oomen, chair of the creative writing department at Interlochen, noted that Reece is not only highly skilled in language, she has also found her voice.
"Annie is very present in the moment as a young person, she really goes down the rabbit hole and takes a good look around,” Oomen said.
Both girls credit the creative writing department at Interlochen for helping them become award winning writers.
"One of the most important things we learn is how to be a disciplined writer,” said Reece who will attend the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul to continue her studies in creative writing.
Rusch, who will attend Princeton this fall, says the Interlochen staff showed her how to have grace, humility and patience as a writer.