Palos East 5th Grader Wins Scholastic Storyworks Writing Contest

Gabriel Chowaniec, a fifth grader at Palos East Elementary School has been named a winner of the Scholastic Storyworks Magazine writing contest.

Gabriel, who is a student in Cathy Casey’s fifth grade classroom, was named one of only five winners nationally for the December 2023/January 2024 competition.

Garbriel’s submission for the nonfiction story "The Shattered Land," “showed a strong understanding of the text along with the ability to author a well-organized and engaging response, said Storyworks Magazine editor Lauren Tarshis in a letter to Palos East Principal Rob Szklanecki.

She noted that Gabriel’s winning entry demonstrated a commitment to excellence that reflects the quality of classroom enrichment supported by Ms. Casey and the Palos East Elementary staff.

Ms. Casey said that Garbriel works hard in her classroom and said his skills as a writer are deserving of the recognition.

“Gabriel works hard to produce excellent work, and he is very deserving of this award,” she said, adding, “I am so proud of him and so happy he is being recognized by Scholastic Story works for his writing.”