Daemen University’s English department kicked off its inaugural Unmute writing contest — offered to high school juniors and seniors across 149 high schools in the Western New York area — earlier this year and awarded the contest winners in May. 
The competition recognized individual winners in three genres: Creative Writing, Academic Writing, and Student Media. Each winner received a $1,000 Daemen scholarship. In addition, one writer was recognized with a Resonance Award for the submission that most resonated with the judges and received a $3,000 Daemen scholarship.
Winners included:
- Creative Writing “Whisper of Imagination” — Justine Syracuse, Starpoint High School
- Academic Writing “Voice of Reason” — Cassandra Cramer; Fredonia Central School
- Student Media “Echoes of Change” — Carly Gorney; Cheektowaga Central High School
- Resonance Award — Matthew Pukalo; St. Francis High School
“The English Department is really proud of how we teach writing, and we believe strongly that learning how to write clearly, persuasively, ethically and with a deep concern for evidence, truth and reasoning is essential for all students — regardless of major,” said Hamish Dalley, associate professor and chair of Daemen’s English department. “We wanted to create an opportunity for the many amazing high schoolers in our region to show off their skills, whether they’re working in poetry, newswriting, literary criticism, science writing or research. It was humbling to see how much extraordinary talent is out there — and exciting to know that many of these exceptional students will soon be part of the Daemen community.”