Congratulations, Daisy Ribero!
The Berkshire Waldorf High School is proud to announce that Daisy Ribero, Class of 2026, is the second place winner of the prestigious Spencertown Academy Arts Center 2024 Young Writers’ Contest. The fiction pieces were judged by Emily A McCully and Elaine Khosrova. Emily A McCully is the author of an O Henry prize story, two adult novels, and many children’s books. Elaine Khosrova is the author of Butter, A Rich History and has worked as an editor at various magazines.
Daisy’s story is titled “Phantom of Childhood:” Here is the Academy’s description of her piece:
“In this first-person narrative, the writer begins by recalling the pure innocence and shared affection of a childhood friendship – and the tree that comes to symbolize the friends’ mutual bond. This lovingly detailed reminiscence, however, takes on a poignant quality when the story shifts to the present moment – teen years for the friends – and we learn that hardship and dysfunction in one of the families has made the friends unintentionally, but inevitably, drift apart. The story gains real momentum when the narrator decides to make a holiday visit to the estranged friend. Both joy and tragedy result.
The writer has created a well paced, engaging story by weaving together cinematic scenes, emotional fallout, and sympathetic characters. It is a fiction that has the feel of truth.”
Congratulations, Daisy!
All the winning selections will soon be available to read on the Academy’s website:
https://spencertownacademy.org/annual-events/young-writers-contest/