Mineola High School junior Sanskriti Bimal was recognized during the recent Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, with two distinction levels in the journalism category last week. In the Northeast regional category, Bimal’s articles “Amplifying Voices To Educate The Girl Child” and “What Thanksgiving Means In Mineola” were awarded with the “Silver Key.” The Scholastic awards is the country’s longest running scholarship and recognition program for talented high school students.
“I am blessed to be surrounded with my family, friends, teachers and community, which has encouraged me, pushed me, motivated and inspired me to write and pursue my dreams,” said Bimal.
Bimal started out as a voracious reader, in elementary school, devouring autobiographic novels, fantasy books and great literature. She started scribbling little notes to express her feelings and gradually by the time she was in third grade, Bimal started writing a diary.
“In middle school, my English teachers singled me out as a writer, and that encouraged me,” she said. “I started writing for the school newspaper and now in high school along with that I also write a regular column, ‘School Buzz’ for the Mineola American and articles for other publications. With writing to keep all articles “local,” I write school related stories, possible opportunities and challenges facing the students, youth issues and on other newsworthy topics.”
Bimal feels her reporting work stretches beyond fact-gathering and sifting through information. She thinks writing is a trade everyone should pursue, either professionally or for everyday use.
“I believe writing is a skill everyone needs,” she said. “Knowledge of the reporting process will aid you in becoming more news-literate and responsible in your daily life. It’ll be that much harder for anyone to pull a fast one on you.”
In Mineola, Bimal holds several key leadership positions at her school, such as captain of the school cheer squad. While maintaining a high GPA in academically rigorous courses, she is associated with the Long Island Volunteer Center as their youth ambassador.
“I’m humbled and honored with the recognition,” Bimal said of receiving the award. “I enjoyed and continue to enjoy reading good writing and exploring the craft of writing.”
