Sarah Nolan

I have had a very rough personal life throughout my entire high school career. I've always loved to write, but was put down by my previous teacher last year. She said that I would never amount to much and that I have a terrible personality, after knowing about my rape, depression, anxiety, suicide attempt, and adhd. I almost lost all hope in writing until Ms. Nolan. From the moment I entered her class for the first time she knew me. She always told people how great of a writer I was and how I read like it's religion. And she's not wrong. She had me nominated for the Creative Writing Book Award for Hollins University that comes with a $20,000 merit scholarship per year for 4 years, admission into the school in my junior year of high school, a book written by the professor, a $250 travel voucher, and a creative writing program for me if I choose to attend. Originally, I was going to go to community college for two year and then transfer to a school, because I also have a twin brother, so the payments of two colleges would be very stressful on my parents. Ms. Nolan has changed my life. I'm going to an amazing school, following my dream, and most importantly, I have hope and belief in myself all because of her. You can see it in her eyes that she wants all of her students to succeed. You can hear it in her voice that she teaches with a passion. She will do anything for us and it has proven to change my life completely. No one deserves this award more than her. I love Ms. Nolan and I will never ever forget her or stop thanking her for all that she has done for me.

Samantha Carlock