Leman Manhattan Announces Winner of Inaugural Jack Gantos Writing Contest

NEW YORK, Feb. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The search for the best eighth-grade fiction writer is finally over. Leman Manhattan Preparatory School – in collaboration with Newbery Award and Printz Honor Award-winning author Jack Gantos – is proud to name 13-year-old Chantelle Roulston of Queens the winner of its inaugural Jack Gantos writing contest and corresponding four-year full high school scholarship.

Gantos – the celebrated author of Dead End in Norvelt, Hole in My Life and Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key, among others – hand-selected Roulston's inspiring short story, The Droonovarseen, which reflects her anxieties and fears about applying to high school after Hurricane Sandy, while displaced from her home in Rockaway Beach and separated from her family.

Roulston and three finalists were honored on February 16 at Leman Manhattan during an exclusive writing workshop with Jack Gantos. The workshop was followed by a luncheon with their families and Drew Alexander, Leman Manhattan's Head of School, who presented them each with a certificate signed by the award-winning author recognizing their participation and accomplishment. The writing workshop offered Roulston and the runners-up a rare chance to consult one-on-one with Gantos about their work.

"In developing characters and driving plot, in describing action and scenery, these students are cultivating an invaluable skill set; they are writing creatively, thinking critically and learning to communicate precisely," said Gantos, who serves on Leman Manhattan's Advisory Board. "I truly enjoyed working one-on-one with these talented, young writers. I only hope they will inspire their peers about the wonders of the written word."

Roulston, who said she is "extremely honored to be named the winner of the Jack Gantos writing contest," will begin ninth grade at Leman in September 2013. She is currently an eighth-grade student at St. Luke's. A passionate writer and voracious reader, Roulston frequently writes in her journal and draws inspiration from her surroundings and experiences.

"We are so excited to welcome Chantelle to the Leman family and are eager to see her thrive," said Drew Alexander, Head of School for Leman Manhattan.

As a part of the prestigious Meritas International Family of Schools, Leman Manhattan's curriculum is based on a proven philosophy that stresses global awareness and critical thinking skills, and focuses on each student's unique potential and learning style. Led by an inspired and talented faculty, Leman Manhattan services grades pre-K 3's through 12^th grade with "Personal Learning Plans" tailored for each student's needs. Creative academic programming encourages growing minds to view the world as their classroom, including Touchpoints, which, starting in second grade, engages students from around the world in conversations about complex global issues.

To learn more about Leman Manhattan Preparatory School, visit www.lemanmanhattan.org or call (212) 232-0266.

About Leman Manhattan Preparatory School

Leman Manhattan Preparatory School – a member of the prestigious Meritas International Family of Schools – offers the highest-caliber academics to grow the next generation of courageous, critical thinkers. Located in the Financial District, Leman Manhattan's state-of-the-art campuses house a truly unique learning community, where an exceptional faculty (many of whom hold advanced degrees) inspires students in grades pre-K 3 through 12 to view the world as their classroom. Leman Manhattan's rigorous, interdisciplinary curriculum stresses critical thinking, personalized learning that addresses each student's strengths as well as areas for improvement, and prepares young minds for the global 21^st Century. Programs such as Touchpoints engage students from around the world in conversations about complex global issues while Leman Manhattan's international boarding program – the only one of its kind in Manhattan – illustrates the school's rich and diverse culture. Leman Manhattan is setting a new standard for elite private school education in New York City and beyond. 

For more information about Leman Manhattan, visit www.lemanmanhattan.org.

About Meritas International Family of Schools

Meritas is a worldwide family of elite college-preparatory schools that provides highly personalized education to more than 12,000 students at its top ten private schools and boarding schools around the globe. Meritas schools have more than 300 years of proven experience in placing students into premier universities around the world and have educated more than 50,000 students. As a collaborative global network of schools in some of the most influential nations, Meritas is focused on developing the world's next generation of leaders. For more information, visit www.meritas.net.  

About Jack Gantos

Jack Gantos has written books for people of all ages, from picture books and middle-grade fiction to novels for young adults and adults. His works include Dead End in Norvelt, winner of the 2012 Newbery Medal for the year's best contribution to children's literature and the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction, as well as Hole in My Life, a memoir that won the Michael L. Printz and Robert F. Sibert honors; Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key, a National Book Award Finalist, and Joey Pigza Loses Control, a Newbery Honor book. Gantos is known nationally for his educational creative writing and literature presentations to students and teachers. He is a frequent conference speaker, university lecturer, and in-service provider. Mr. Gantos is on the Advisory Board of Leman Manhattan Preparatory School.

SOURCE Leman Manhattan Preparatory School