Schools
Meet Young Writer Extraordinaire Samantha Lao
Chestnut Hill fifth grader is a talented writing star.
Congratulations to fifth grader Samantha Lao on her second place win in the annual Barnes and Noble National Essay Contest, “My Favorite Teacher.”
Samantha wrote about her third grade teacher Deirdre Hackeling, and how she was inspirational. In her essay, Samantha noted: "There are a lot of things that I remember and love about third grade. The number one thing I remember is the poem you taught us that was and still is my favorite poem, Dreams by Langston Hughes. I remember it.”
Mrs. Hackeling won a classic book set for her classroom library and Samantha received a recognition certificate from Barnes and Noble.
Samantha competed with students from local districts, even at the secondary level. Her creative writing prowess has already been proven, as Samantha is the celebrated author of the storybook The Scared Panda, which she wrote when she was just 9 years old.
As an exercise in developing and enhancing writing skills, Chestnut Hill Assistant Principal Deborah Forsyth spearheaded this contest within the school building, and encouraged students to enter the contest earlier this year.
Article and photos courtesy of Felice Kristall.
