Marist Students Earn Statewide Recognition in 2025 Letters About Literature Contest

Marist High School is proud to recognize 15 students who have received honors in the 2025 Letters About Literature Contest, a statewide writing competition sponsored by the Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian, and the Illinois Center for the Book.

The contest invites students in grades 4–12 to write a personal letter to the author of a book that made a lasting impact on their lives. This year’s competition drew more than 500 entries in the Level III division (grades 9–12), and Marist students stood out at every level of recognition.

Level III Finalists

Only 44 students statewide were named Finalists in the Level III category, and Marist sophomores Melanie Martinez (Our Lady of the Snow) and Kallen Spalliero (Mount Greenwood School) earned this distinguished honor for the strength and insight of their writing. Their submissions ranked among the top entries in the state.

Level III Honorable Mentions

The following Marist students were awarded Honorable Mention status, placing them among the top third of all submissions:

• Jaiden Burden (Sophomore, St. Walter)

• Elizabeth Casey (Sophomore, Christ the King)

• Briggs Corona (Sophomore, Jerling Junior High)

• Michael Cushing (Sophomore, Most Holy Redeemer)

• Moira Daly (Sophomore, Most Holy Redeemer)
• Davy Gray (Sophomore, Hamlin)

• Caroline Gutrich (Sophomore, Queen of Martyrs)

• Mae Parisi (Sophomore, St. Catherine of Alexandria)

• Fabian Peralta (Sophomore, Prairie Hills Junior High)

• Marquis Steel (Sophomore, Memorial Junior High)

• Leah Treacy (Sophomore, Mount Greenwood School)

• Mariano Angel (Junior, Annunciata)

• Ronan Carmody (Junior, St. Christina)

• Hannah Noonan (Junior, Mount Greenwood School)

These recognitions reflect the students’ thoughtful engagement with literature and their ability to reflect on personal growth through reading.

A Banner Year for Marist

This year also marks a milestone for Marist High School, as sophomore Brooklyn Reyna (Central Middle School) was named the statewide Level III winner — the first in school history to earn top honors in the contest. Her achievement was previously announced and will be celebrated alongside her classmates at an awards ceremony in Springfield this May.

Marist English teacher John Gonczy and librarian Kristy Rademacher played an essential role in guiding students through the submission process. Their dedication and collaboration continue to foster a culture of literary excellence at Marist.

For more information about the Letters About Literature contest, visit www.ilsos.gov.