We are proud to announce Casey Epstein-Gross ’21 was awarded a National Gold Medal and multiple regional Gold and Silver Keys in the 2021 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, presented by Philadelphia Writing Project. Since 1923, the Awards have recognized some of America’s most celebrated artists and writers while they were teenagers, including Tschabalala Self, Stephen King, Kay WalkingStick, Charles White, Joyce Carol Oates, and Andy Warhol. 

In January Casey won four awards for her poems, one Gold Key and three Silver Keys. These poems have recently been published in national literary journals such as Thin Air Magazine and Permafrost Magazine. 

Casey won her National Gold Medal for her critical essay, "'Looking Through the Window': Narrative Form and the Act of Reading as Voyeurism in Wuthering Heights." An incredible accomplishment, Casey’s award is the highest level of distinction. In the 2020 program year, nearly 320,000 works were submitted to regional programs, with only 2,900 of those works of art and writing receiving national recognition. This year, 1,917 works of art and writing received national awards.

“Casey is an incredible writer,” shared Jared Levy, Head of the Social Studies Department at Solebury School. “I taught her in my elective, Creative Nonfiction. For each assignment, she poured her mind, heart, and spirit into the writing. This says a lot about her work ethic and her unique approach. I'm so glad she entered her work into the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. She deserves all the recognition she earned and I'm excited to see what's next for her in her burgeoning writing career!”

Casey’s love of learning and profound sense of intellectual curiosity has enriched the Solebury community. Her intelligence and insatiable curiosity are matched by her determined work ethic. Casey is a leader in the Solebury School community, taking on important responsibilities and roles such as Senior Class Co-President, Holmquist Proctor, Peer Leader, Solemate, and a member of the Judiciary Committee. She is an empathetic and compassionate champion for the underdog, a motivated humanitarian leader, a vocal advocate for the rights and dignity of others. Although Casey is unsure about which major she will pursue in college, she is very interested in studying Political Science, English, Philosophy, and other humanities fields.