Ella Scott ’26 has been named one of the Top 20 Finalists in the 9th annual Storm King School Poetry Contest & Festival. The contest received 193 submissions from 22 schools across the Northeast. 

Ella’s poem is titled “Cracked,” and she describes it as “silently begging someone you love to see you and your struggle and be there for you.” However, she says the poem’s interpretation can be up to the reader. 

"Cracked" by Ella Scott ’26

You cracked me open

Then taped me back up

Like a broken photograph.

The crack’s still there

Can’t you see?

The tape is falling off

Put it back

Why won’t you put it back? 

Though she only started writing poetry last year, Ella says she decided to enter the contest. Her reaction to the results: “I was so surprised. I entered this contest on a whim, so to have my work be admired by other poets was a really nice feeling.” 

“Ella has always brought her creative flair to photography, yearbook design, and even analytical writing. But until recently, I didn't know she is also a creative writer,” says English Teacher Dr. Alex MacConochie. “Ella’s poem is both evocative and precise. Like the best poems, the poem recognized by Storm King opens up worlds of meaning through a few carefully crafted phrases. I hope she'll keep sharing her voice with the world!” 

Ella likes the creativity of poetry, especially writing it freestyle. She says, “In my opinion, some of the best poetry comes from writing words at random and making them flow.” 

The contest’s finalists will be honored at a celebration at Storm King School on Saturday, April 26th, at 6:30 p.m.