Collinsville High School’s annual Write-on Fest was March 16, 2018 in and around the auditorium at the CHS Performing Arts Center.
Collinsville High School hosts the Write-on Fest every year to promote creative writing and expose students to professional authors and poets. CHS Writing Club members and English classes had the opportunity to attend some or all of the sessions.
The 2018 Write-on Fest included writing workshops with SIUE professors Valerie Vogrin and Geoffrey Schmidt, as well as a presentation by St. Louis metro-area based poet, speaker and diversity/inclusion coach Treasure Shields Redmond, She is a St. Louis metro-area based poet, speaker and diversity/inclusion coach. She is behind Feminine Pronoun social justice blog.
CHS students with David Wright (center)
Headliner Author David Wright wrote “Fire on the Beach: Recovering the Lost Story of Richard Etheridge and the Pea Island Lifesavers” – a book that was read by CHS students as part of the lead-up to the Write-on Fest.
Wright, who also creates screenplays, has received multiple fellowships and awards, and is currently a faculty member at the University of Illinois. He presented a lecture about his book and writing experiences. Wright personally met with students and autographed copies of his book.
The CHS Poetry Team “ILL NOISE” (students Ronyae McClure, Olivia Felty, Keana Fox, Josiah Kirk and Amaya Farley) performed.
The afternoon concluded with the Kahok Ink Awards. Kahok Ink is Collinsville High School’s literary magazine featuring student poetry, creative writing, artwork and photography. It is published once a year and is sponsored by the CHS Writing Club. This year’s cover photo is by CHS freshman Millicent Collins. Copies can be purchased through the CHS Writing Center.
The Write-on Fest is coordinated by English teacher and Writing Club Sponsor Katrina Knebel, with assistance from librarian Tracey Schmidt and other CHS faculty.