Avery C. ’25 is one of the winners of this year’s YoungArts Award, a national program that celebrates accomplished young visual, literary and performing artists, heralding the next generation of artists to watch. She received the writing/poetry award for her set of poems: "Improvisations II (Nostos, Algia)," "Junk Drawer Duplex," "Amadeus Revisited," "The Hoard," and "Periodicity for Advanced Beginners." Avery is among 800 students in Grades 10-12 across the country being recognized for “work that demonstrates exceptional technique; a strong sense of artistry; and a depth of thinking/performance that exceeds the level of peers at this career stage.”

Avery’s English teacher Ana Silva shares her enthusiasm for the national recognition. “As early as Grade 5 Avery wrote tremendously accomplished stories, and I’ve seen her grow into a riveting writer and poet, a leader,” Silva shared. “Avery’s original poems show astonishing energy, purpose and intensity through confident tone, their litany of compelling and surprising images and objects, and deft use of line and stanza breaks.” Praised for revitalizing the literary arts community at Spence, Avery is one of the co-founders of the S.C.R.A.W.L. literary arts magazine. Beyond the classroom she is a member of the Civics Club, Glee Club, and the Math and Debate teams.

Upon receiving the news of winning the award, Avery shared: “I was really surprised (and happy!) to receive this prize! Although I've always loved to write, I only seriously delved into poetry last year in Studies in Poetry with Ms. Silva. I hope to continue growing as a poet and thinker, and I am extremely grateful to Spence for teaching me how to read with a discerning eye and write with a sharp pen.”