Herricks High School sophomore Carrie Hsu has been recognized as a first-place winner in the 2018 Kenneth Gambone Writing Contest and was formally honored at the Long Island Language Arts Council Spring Luncheon. Held at Captain Bill’s in Bay Shore on May 19, this event celebrated award recipients that represented grades four, seven and ten.

Carrie’s original piece was based on the theme, “The more you dream, the further you get.” It was published in the luncheon program and she had the opportunity to read it aloud before the entire audience of attendees. She was joined by teacher Alan Semerdjian, who has been involved in the event in the past and served as a keynote speaker last year. This year’s featured speaker was author Gae Polisner, who also co-hosts the Teachers Write! virtual summer writing camp.

The LILAC is an affiliate of the New York State English Council and the National Council of Teachers of English. As a first-place winner, Carrie was presented with a gift card and books.