Seventeen-year-old Nyah Rain Palmer, who is a junior at North Royalton High School, has joined the ranks of some of the nation’s most celebrated writers after receiving multiple Gold Key awards in the 2025 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Recognized for her exceptional talent in poetry and critical essay writing, Palmer’s works stood out among thousands of submissions, earning her a coveted place in the national competition.
Her critical essay, The Serpent’s Apple is a Stanley Tumbler: How the Temptations of Consumerism are Hurting American Society, was not only awarded a Gold Key but also named an American Voices Nominee—an honor reserved for the most distinguished works in each region. In addition, three other of her poetry pieces each received Gold Key recognition.
Since 1923, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have highlighted emerging young voices, counting literary icons such as Stephen King, Amanda Gorman, and Joyce Carol Oates among its past recipients. With Palmer’s Gold Key works advancing to the national level in New York City, she now has the opportunity to become a National Medalist—a distinction that could place her among the literary greats of the future.
The national winners will be announced on March 26, 2025. Until then, Palmer remains focused on her craft, eager to continue sharing her powerful and thought-provoking words with the world. Palmer also is published in the North Royalton High School literary magazine,
Inkwell.
Update as of April 23, 2025:
Amid the bustle of spring events and academic deadlines, one North Royalton High School student has made national headlines. Junior Nyah Palmer has been awarded a National Silver Medal in the prestigious Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for her original poem — a piece that began as an entry in a classroom Halloween poetry contest.
Palmer's poem was selected from nearly 300,000 submissions nationwide, placing her among the top young writers in the United States.
The poem, originally penned in October as part of an English class contest, stood out for its originality, voice, and emotional depth — qualities the Scholastic Awards are known for celebrating in student work.
The national recognition not only celebrates Palmer’s talent but also highlights the importance of creative opportunities in the classroom. Her teacher, Stacie Leatherman, who hosted the original Halloween poetry contest, noted that the spark of inspiration can come from anywhere.
"To see something born out of a fun classroom moment grow into a nationally recognized piece of art is incredible," said Leatherman. "Nyah deserves every bit of this recognition."