Marist Students Earn Statewide Recognition in 2026 Letters About Literature Contest
Marist High School is proud to recognize 13 students who received Honorable Mention recognition in the 2026 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 has made a meaningful impact on their lives. Each year, hundreds of submissions are received from across Illinois, with only a select group earning recognition.
This year’s honorees come from English 2 classes taught by John Gonzy and Brendan Heffernan ’99.
The following Marist students earned Honorable Mention recognition:
Aaliyah Howard, Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School
CJ Gilbert, Summit Hill Junior High School
Christian Czerwonka, Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School
Emma Ramirez, St. Bede the Venerable School
Gianna Haynes, St. Damian School
Janyla Mims, CICS Loomis-Longwood
Jacob Jones, Memorial Junior High School
Jimmy Stokas, St. Catherine of Alexandria School
Ryan Tyrka, St. Catherine of Alexandria School
Teagan O’Sullivan, Sutherland Elementary School
Albiyeh Durr, Owen Scholastic Academy
Molly Harrigan, St. John Fisher School
Katherine Vincent, Mount Greenwood School
Students were presented with their certificates by Principal Meg Dunneback and faculty member Kara Smith, with members of the administration and English department present to celebrate their achievement.
These recognitions highlight the meaningful work taking place in Marist’s English classrooms, where students are encouraged to think critically, write with purpose, and reflect on the impact of literature in their lives.
