Short Story Earns Cole Middle School Student a Silver Key

An East Greenwich middle school student's creative writing has earned her a prominent award and recognition from the School Committee, who read her a commendation at Tuesday night's School Committee meeting.

Laura Murphy, an eighth grader, wrote a science fiction and fantasy short story about guardians that protect various environments on earth and a young girl's journey of discovery.

She then entered the story in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards on her own volition.

The story impressed judges for the awards enough to give her a Silver Key award — a major honor, especially for a middle school student. Murhpy is the only middle school student to win a Silver Key award and the other winners from Rhode Island were high school students.

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is arguably the most prestigious student awards program for the creative arts and includes past winners like Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath, Truman Capote, Stephen King, John Updike and more.

Work from winners is featured in galleries, exhibitions and publications of myriad sorts. It is also a highly-valuable addition to the resume of any student applying for college.