Livingston Teen Earns Applause For Her Writing, Poetry, Activism

LIVINGSTON, NJ — A talented young poet and writer in Livingston recently earned a commendation from county officials after earning several awards for her creativity.

Earlier this month, the Essex County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution that honors Livingston High School student Hannah Kim. According to the board, Kim has garnered multiple Scholastic Art and Writing Awards for her original literary pieces and academic achievements.

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards are among the nation’s most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. They have supported the future of the creative arts since 1923 by celebrating the youth locally and nationally with awards, exhibitions, publications and scholarships.

According to the commissioner board, Kim’s accomplishments include:

“In 2021, Hannah was awarded a Gold Key for her personal essay and memoir about her grandfather’s experiences during the Korean War entitled ‘Haraboji’s Letters,’ a Silver Key in Poetry for her poem ‘The Little Things’ and an honorable mention for her poems ‘So We Grew Up.’ In 2020, she was awarded two honorable mentions in poetry for her poem ‘Lifting the Veil’ and ‘The Trees Danced in the Wind’ and an honorable mention for flash fiction for ‘A Different Kind of Death.’”

The board continued:

“Hannah is also the captain of the LHS speech and debate team. She placed second in declamation at George Mason University’s national tournament; 2nd in declamation at Stanford Invitational and 3rd in original oratory at Stanford Invitational. This fall, she will serve as the editor-in chief of Livingston High School’s literary magazine, Inner Voices. Additionally, she was elected as secretary to the LHS Executive Board and will serve in this capacity for the 2021-22 school year. She is passionate about activism, particularly for racial equality and women’s equality. In her spare time, she enjoys immersing herself in poetry, loves to read fiction, paint and play the ukulele.”

Livingston resident and Commissioner At-Large Patricia Sebold delivered the commendation to Kim on behalf of the board in lieu of a presentation ceremony.

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