By: Ariana Rojak, Aiden Nelson, and Valery Warner
April 27, 2021
Power of the Pen is an organization in the Brooklyn City School District and is in over 200 school districts throughout Ohio.
Brooklyn’s own got a chance to be a part of this year’s competition. There are roughly 800 writers at the district level, 400 at the regionals, and only 200 at the state level.
Eighth-grader Elias Perez and seventh-grader Malak Chafki are going to be a part of this year’s Power of the Pen state competition hosted at Otterbein College on Saturday, May 15.
Mrs. Jacinta Bader, leader of the eighth grade team, glowingly spoke about Perez.
“Elias is ridiculously-intelligent and creative! He’s one of the strongest writers I’ve ever coached! He does an incredible job making the reader connect with his characters. His writing leaves the reader wanting more every time!”
Perez prepares once a week with Bader by practicing a new prompt with only 40 minutes to write. Once he has finished, he and Bader review it by going over different aspects such as characterization, plot line, and descriptive language. He finished in sixth place at the regional competition and is gearing up for the upcoming state competition.
Mrs. Mack, leader of the seventh grade team, had nothing but praise for Chafki.
“Malak is a well-traveled student who has many culturally-diverse experiences. She uses these experiences in her story and often creates vivid storylines that utilize sensory language.”
Chafki prepares with Mack weekly, and they practice prompt writing, similar to Perez’s routine.
Congratulations to both Elias and Malak. Good luck to both of you in the finals. Bring home the gold!
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