Pittsford Mendon Junior Claire Baek has been awarded first prize in the “Prose” category of the 38th Annual Sokol High School Literacy Awards.

Baek’s piece of prose, titled “Break Up Letter to 2023,” describes the hope that comes with one year ending and a new one beginning, mesmerizing with its promises of change, new possibilities and renewed sense of enthusiasm, only for life to not care that the page of a calendar has turned – everything is still the same as it was before – maybe even worse. However, it ends with acceptance of what 2023 had to offer, acknowledging the “highest highs” alongside the “lowest lows,” and allowing space for the growth and wisdom that bloomed thanks to the adversities that the year presented the author.

In the judge’s remarks of Baek’s work, it was noted that “’Breakup Letter to 2023’ displays [Baek’s] acumen for sophisticated and clear writing. Kudos for such a dynamic submission. [The] decision to use ‘2023’ as a character and speak to it as if it were a living being is commendable. Your point of view offers a fresh narrative lens. It reminds us that we are in an intimate relationship with time.”

Since 1958, the Friends & Foundation of the Rochester Public Library has sponsored a creative writing contest through an endowment established by Eli and Mildred Sokol. The contest is open to Monroe County high school students in grades nine through 12 from public, private, charter, and home schools.

Claire’s entry 

Congratulations, Claire! #PittsfordPride