Branford High Student Earns National Award For 'Superior Writing'

BRANFORD, CT — A Branford High School junior is one of just four in Connecticut to earn a national honor for "superior writing" from the National Council of Teachers of English.

Alya Bagdas, was selected for a 2022 Achievement Award for Superior Writing. The NCTE Achievement Awards in Writing is a school-based writing program established in 1957 to encourage high school students to write and to recognize some of the best student writers in the nation. Only students who are juniors may participate. Schools in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, American schools abroad, and the Virgin Islands are eligible to nominate students for the writing program.

“It’s no surprise that Alya earned this honor. She is one of the most curious and thoughtful students I've taught in recent years, both as a writer and a thinker,” her American Literature teacher at BHS, Bing Miller, said.

“Her insight into literature and her ability to express her thinking in a sophisticated and intelligent manner is quite evident," Miller said. He nominated Bagdas for the award. "But she’s also not afraid to work hard and take necessary feedback to help her improve.”

According to Miller, this year, schools across the country nominated 266 students. Of that number, 79 received Certificates of Superior Writing. In Connecticut, Bagdas was one of four students to earn certificates for superior writing. Each student submitted two pieces of writing. Two independent judges scored each submission on expression of ideas, language use, and unique perspective and voice.

Described by Miller as an enthusiastic junior who lives with her parents, she enjoys spending her time hiking, learning about the world, and exploring many different arts. She enjoys writing poems spontaneously, as she is inspired by the moment or her feelings.

And, she "places great importance on science communication and "strives to observe, question, research, and create then share with the world," Miller said.

Learn more by checking out the Instagram account run by her and her mother, Dr. Deniz Bagdas of Yale University, which "combines science, art, and literature to spread STEAM knowledge."