Callia Shumay, a senior at Independence High School (IHS), has achieved remarkable success in the literary world, earning a Scholastic Writing & Art Silver Key and Gold Key Award for her exceptional writing. Her award-winning pieces will soon be on exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art, showcasing her talent to a wider audience.
Shumay's winning entries stemmed from her decision to journal her feelings about the loss of her classmate, Ben Vitron, along with other writing assignments from her AP Language and Composition class. This profoundly personal and brave approach to her craft has resonated deeply with judges and readers alike.
"I've had the privilege of watching her grow into one of the finest writers IHS has seen," said Jill Wagner, IHS JustWrite Team Advisor. "It has been a very rewarding experience seeing her attain so many awards and milestones throughout her school career, starting with her being the Scripps spelling bee representative back when I had her in my eighth-grade English class."
Shumay's accomplishments extend far beyond her recent accolades. She is an accomplished creative writer, medalist, and published poet through the JustWrite program. Her dedication to honing her craft and exploring various literary genres has allowed her to develop a unique and powerful voice.
"Callia's success is a testament to her unwavering passion for writing and her willingness to explore challenging themes and emotions," said Principal Mike Janatovich, Independence High School. "We are incredibly proud of her achievements and can't wait to see her work on display at the Cleveland Museum of Art."
In addition to her exceptional writing skills, Shumay has excelled academically, graduating Summa Cum Laude and earning numerous other accolades throughout her high school career. She is one of only two IHS students recognized as Commended Scholars in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program for her exceptional academic promise. She has also demonstrated tremendous leadership in many other activities, such as playing the leading lady in IHS’s recent Drama Club production, as well as her captain positions in several clubs, such as Mock Trial, Academic Challenge, and Color Guard.
As Shumay prepares to embark on her next chapter, the Independence High School community celebrates her remarkable accomplishments and looks forward to the impact she will undoubtedly make in the literary world and beyond.