The Socorro Independent School District recently recognized 68 students in grades K-12 whose work was published at the 2019 SISD Literary Anthology celebration.
The event, featured first-place winners, their families, district administrators, staff, and special guest authors Elizabeth Zamarripa-Lopez and Eleanor Coldwell.
“The Literary Anthology luncheon is a wonderful event because we honor the amazing writers in our school district,” said Yvonne Dominguez, instructional officer for English Language Arts.
“The event is now in its 32nd year and we look forward to continuing this tradition because it a great way for students to express themselves.”
More than 1,000 pieces of writing were submitted for judging. Some 100 adjudicators then reviewed the essays, stories, and poems, and 
selected first, second and third place entries.
Each SISD school was represented in the anthology.
“I feel so accomplished and proud to have been published in the anthology,” said Madalyn Carbajal, a fourth grader at Loma Verde. “Writing this was a lot of fun. I wrote about my experience in Cancun and how they have really cool resorts and pools. When I’m older I may decide to write and illustrate my own book.”
Coldwell, author of Pan Dulce and a former SISD administrator, encouraged the young writers to harness their creative talents and jot down their thoughts in a journal every day.
“Writing keeps us connected to our past,” she said. “Get a three-ring binder or a journal and write something in it every day. Fill it with memories because you will cherish that for the rest of your lives.”
Nicole Reyes, a student at Chester E. Jordan Elementary, plans to do as Coldwell said and document special moments and her thoughts. The 11-year-old writer said her next piece will be published on the internet.
“I want to be a blogger and write about self-love and confidence,” Reyes said.
“For my anthology, I wrote about the benefits of wearing school uniforms. Students don’t have to think about what they are going to wear, or not having expensive clothes because uniforms make us equal. They help us academically and emotionally.”
Each of the 2019 winners were presented an award and a copy of the anthology. The next SISD anthology will be published in May 2020.
