The Nassau County Poet Laureate Society awarded Shea Rehnback a $500 Scholarship on June 15, 2024. Nassau County Poet Laureate Paula Curci presented the award at the Long Beach Public Library.
Shea Rehnback is a student at the Long Beach High School and is scheduled to graduate in 2025.
Shea describes her writing and goals as follows: “I have loved to write all my life, so being in Talented Writers has been a dream come true! In this program, we learn new writing techniques from our teacher, Mrs. Koegel, as well as from fellow members in the class. So far, I’ve advanced as a student in the linguistic setting but also as a person; strengthening my connections with others and building up my confidence. Writing helps me deal with everyday stresses that can seem so draining and allow me to express my feelings! I’ve progressed my abilities throughout the years through the help of my advisor and peers and even had the kind acknowledgements of winning a Silver Key for my piece Lucky Penny and three Honorable Mentions for Button Collection, Change of Seasons and Whispering Willows from Scholastic Writing Awards! As my journey as a writer continues, I hope to expand the themes and concepts found in my pieces by stepping out of my comfort zone and adopting new styles and structures into my writing.”