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Writers’ Retreat

JHS Seniors Reflect On Their Chautauqua Summer Experience

JHS Chautauqua Writers Workshop: Jamestown High School seniors Beck Anderson, Micaela Cleveland, Barbi Price, Ellen Cross, Matthew Roehmholdt and Elyse Jones participated in the Young Writers Institute at Chautauqua Institution this summer. Submitted photo

It’s September now, but Jamestown High School seniors, Beck Anderson, Micaela Cleveland, Ellen Cross, Elyse Jones and Matthew Roehmholdt, still fondly recall their all-expense paid Chautauqua experience in July as participants of the Young Writers Institute at Chautauqua Institution.

JHS English Department Chair Barbi Price and teacher Norma DeJoy nominated the five students for this prestigious scholarship, and applicants were required to submit samples of creative work, as well as a letter of recommendation from an educator.

Thanks to the generosity of the Literary and Scientific Circle Alumni Association, the JHS students lived with host families at Chautauqua and had the opportunity to attend daily lectures, nightly concerts, and live theatrical performances, as well as take advantage of waterfront recreation opportunities and the fitness center.

“I felt like the hosts really welcomed me into their home and made me a part of their family for a week,” added Matt Roehmholdt. “The whole atmosphere was accepting and made me feel like there was a place for me at Chautauqua Institution.”

At the Young Writers Institute, Beck, Micaela, Ellen, Elyse and Matthew were mentored by a faculty of nationally-recognized, published teaching-artists who, over the course of the week, helped the students hone their writing through short exercises, close study of contemporary writers and classes. Each student had the opportunity to work one-on-one to plan future writing projects.

“It was an amazing experience!” remarked Micaela Cleveland. “Being able to participate in the Young Writer’s Program helped me ease out of my comfort zone. I was able to learn new poetry and dabble in my own creations. Meeting new people and spending a week with the same group created a sense of comfort and enjoyment.”

Ellen Cross stated, “At the end of by junior year, I was feeling academically burned out; my week at Chautauqua renewed my love of reading and writing, and I met other kids with similar interests as me.”

Elyse Jones went to the amphitheater every evening and took advantage of all that Chautauqua had to offer.

“Riding my bike on the grounds, I had a chance to see all of our students looking so happy and engaged,” Barbi Price noted. “They were intellectually stimulated and culturally nourished by their week at Chautauqua. I’m sure that they’ll remember the experience forever!”

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