Here at Kenwood, there are many talented writers, but one in particular junior Zariah Smithwick has won two contests during her time here at Kenwood. Last year she was finalist for the “WJZ Black History Oratorical Competition” and this year she was the Baltimore County Public Library Essex Branch “Battle of the Books” winner.
For Baltimore County’s Public Library Battle of the Books contest students have to read one book off a list of ten and compose a work of expressive art to reflect the book. Zariah read The House of Hollow and constructed a short fantasy story that thematically focused on women’s rights and the hypersexualization of women. She was the awarded winner for the Essex Library Branch and was awarded a certificate and $50 gift card.
Upon entering Kenwood in her 9th-grade year, her Honors English teacher, Ms. Cooper, recognized Zariah’s need for a challenge. Consequently, she was later transferred to Kenwood’s IB program where she participated and excelled in numerous competitions.
During her sophomore year, Zariah joined Ms. Cooper’s Creative Writing Group, which is held on Tuesdays after school, and she made tremendous contributions to the school’s literary magazine and then contest in the Baltimore area. Notably, one of her poems was featured as the first piece for the Eye of the Bluebirds’ Creative Corner this year.
In a conversation with Zariah’s teacher, Ms. Cooper, she praises Zariah’s writing skills, stating, “Zariah writes everything—essays on social issues, viewpoints on racial justice, and gorgeous poetry that springs and then is honed through editing. That’s Z’s main talent—she is willing and enjoys working on her writing to the point she is willing to share it. Her word choices, tough topics, and use of metaphor are phenomenal.” Ms. Cooper firmly believes in Zariah’s potential, expressing confidence that her willingness to share her work and her unwavering self-assurance will drive her to achieve great success in writing and beyond.
Zariah herself shows determination and self-confidence, refusing to let anything get in the way of her goals. When asked about her feelings regarding her writing and her success in winning those contests, she remarks, “It feels great to have won because of my writing. It’s very reassuring and helps me to find reason to keep pushing forward, especially at times when I doubt myself and wonder if my writing is good enough.”
Zariah attributes much of her motivation and support to her English teachers, who has been a constant pillar throughout her writing journey. In her own words, she notes,”They’ve pushed me to do my best and have also helped me nurture my skills and improve them over my past three years here at Kenwood.”
Looking ahead, Zariah is committed to continuing her writing journey beyond Kenwood High School, regardless of whether it leads to a career. For her, writing is something she enjoys and she plans to stick with it regardless of the path life takes her.
If Zariah’s inspiring writing journey here at Kenwood inspires you, be sure to learn more about the various writing opportunities here at Kenwood. Ms. Cooper’s writing group meets on Tuesdays after school in room 138.
