Francis Slakey, author of “To the Last Breath” was the featured speaker at the English Department’s Writer’s Day ceremony, held today in the Upper School. Slakey spoke to the entire student body about the inspirations behind his book and his experiences as an author. Later, he participated in a question and answer session/meet and greet for students and faculty.

As part of the ceremony, students were recognized for their writing achievements in this academic year. Danielle Wallace ’15 was named the Richard Rouse Prize winner — given to a Junior or Senior for the best non-fictional essay — for “The Necessity of Universal Ethical Principles for the Existence of Society.” Two Creative Writing prizes were also awarded. Mary Wan ‘15 won for the best creative writing entry from among the Junior/Senior classes for “Robert: A Continuation of Home” and Nala Duma ‘17 won for the best entry among the Freshmen/Sophomore classes for “Seven Square Inches.”