High school students will write thousands of words before they graduate. For some, these assignments are the worst part of their time in the building, while others willingly write extra for personal enjoyment or maybe even competition. LHS senior Mak Highstrom began her writing career over a decade ago.

“I’ve literally been writing since first grade,” said Highstrom. “I started out with these little Pokemon stories that I would read to the class. Teachers would urge me to keep writing.” 

Highstrom eventually expanded to other forms of composition.

“I didn’t start writing poetry until seventh grade for a class exercise,” said Highstrom. “I figured out that I liked it and so I decided to focus all of my energy into that.”

Highstrom continued writing through middle school and into her time at LHS. Last year she found that she would be sharing her writing with a larger audience as she heard about an opportunity to submit her writing for potential recognition.

“I was writing about my aunt and I decided to submit my writing to honor her,” said Highstrom. “I got a gold key in SD and a silver medal in the nation. It’s presented by USD and recognizes South Dakotan writers. Then it sends you on to the next level.” 

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards recognize outstanding teen artists and writers on regional and national levels. The Scholastic region of South Dakota gives awards for Honorable Mentions, Silver Key and Gold Key distinction, with Gold Key recipients moving on to the national level. At the national level, the awards are Gold and Silver Portfolio, Gold and Silver Medal and American Visions and Voices.

“Last year I got the Gold Key award and SIlver in the nation,” said Highstrom. “This year I thought I’d submit some poetry.”

Highstrom has received a Gold Key for her 2020 poetry submission and has again moved on to the national level. Highstrom’s work can also be heard occasionally as she performs her poetry for smaller audiences at events such as the Sioux Falls Poetry Collective.

“Whenever I go to open mics I start with ‘write on you funky little poets and punk’s not dead,’” said Holstrom.

Submissions for the 2020 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards have passed, but information on 2021 awards can be found here.