Kelsey

A gifted and passionate writer, Kelsey dreams of a future as a published author. As a Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholar, Kelsey has pursued her interest in creative writing, mastering the ability to channel her personal experiences to produce powerful poetry and short stories.

Kelsey’s writing and outstanding academic work has garnered numerous awards. She was named Middle School Student of the Year in her city in May 2006, and she placed first in her high school in the National Parent Teacher Association’s Reflections Literature Contest in December 2007.

Kelsey now attends a residential magnet high school for the arts where she majors in creative writing. This unique school provides her the opportunity to explore writing in a variety of genres, receive intensive feedback and coaching, and do yearly recitations of her work. Currently, Kelsey’s favorite genre is creative non-fiction.

Kelsey spent a recent summer at an intensive writing program at Duke University. “Duke TIP was the most amazing experience of my life. I at last found myself in a motivational environment”, says Kelsey. “It was a joy to find that there are others like me, zealous about life and learning, but lost in a world that doesn’t seem to know what to do with them.”

Kelsey also appreciates the help she has received from the Young Scholars Program in finding her academic and creative niche. “My educational adviser has proven that there is a place for me in this bewildered world, and she has gone beyond my wildest dreams to help me get there,” says Kelsey. “I am not alone, and tomorrow might be as wonderful as I’ve hoped, thanks to Jack Kent Cooke.”