Northbrook 4th-Grader Wins National Writing Award

NORTHBROOK, IL — Paityn Han had a major surprise at last week's end-of-year assembly at Wescott School. The fourth-grader found out in front of her parents and the entire school that she was the recipient of an award for winning a national writing contest.

Han, 10, was one of only five winners in the nation of Storyworks Magazine's February edition of the scholastic writing contest. Her teacher, Petra Choi, presented her with the award and a copy of the book, "Lost at Sea: Shipwrecks!" by Ben Hubbard.

"Of the hundreds of submissions we receive each month, we choose winning entries that show strong critical thinking, point of view, and reading and writing skills. Paityn's entry demonstrated a firm understanding of the text alongside the ability to craft a well-organized and engaging response," said Lauren Tarshis, editor-in-chief of Storyworks, in a letter regarding the award.

Han joined several students in her class in submitting an essay and, according to Storyworks, she is among hundreds of students in the country who submit each month to the contest. The contest challenges students to research the true story of Jack Binns and his heroic rescue of many people who survived a Titanic -type crash of a big ship, then write a memoir of this American hero.

Choi said needed minimal guidance in writing her essay.

"Paityn really did the hard work and put in several drafts to me until she was satisfied," Choi said. "She is a very gifted writer and student."