On March 26th, three students from South Windsor High School were chosen for, and won, various Scholastic Writing awards.
Junior Michael Wang was awarded a Silver Key for his poem, “Forged in Silence,” junior Samarth Basanth won a Gold Key for his Science Fiction/Fantasy story “The Neural Archivist,” a Silver Key for his critical essay “The Glass Mind,” and a Silver Key for his poem “Neuron Dreams and Synaptic Shadows,” and junior Aneek Roy won a Silver Key for his film script.
Junior Michael Wang recently shared insight into his original poem, “Forged in Silence”, which was featured in the school’s literary magazine. “Forged in Silence” explores the strength that can come from quiet resilience.
“It’s about how unspoken experiences, inner struggles, or even moments of isolation can shape someone into a stronger, more self-aware person,” Wang explained.
Inspired by personal moments where he felt unheard or unseen, Wang channeled those emotions into a powerful piece. He says he’s already working on new material. “Some are personal, some more experimental – and I’m excited to see where they go,” Wang said.
Samarth Basanth, a standout writer at South Windsor High School, was recently awarded a prestigious Golden Key for his original short story, “The Neural Archivist”. Drawing from his long-time fascination with dystopian fiction and neuroscience, Basanth imagined a future where human memory becomes both a scientific tool and a moral dilemma. “The Neural Archivist” emerged from an interest in merging those worlds,” Basanth said.“Envisioning a future where memory itself becomes a scientific tool, subject to human control and ethical uncertainty.”
Basanth’s curiosity was sparked by the rising number of Alzheimer’s cases, and the story thoughtfully examines the thin line between healing and scientific overreach. Basanth plans to keep writing across genres.
“I’m especially interested in blending medicine with creative storytelling through fiction, poetry, and analytical essays that explore how science influences, and is influenced by, human experience,” Basanth said.
While their pieces haven’t been published yet, both students hope to submit them to The Mind’s Eye, South Windsor High School’s literary magazine, set to be released at the end of the school year. A special thank you to Mrs. Flachsbart who encouraged these students to write their pieces.
