Herricks High School Student Wins Prestigious National Poetry Award

Photo Caption: Herricks High School sophomore Wenshu Wang has been awarded the 2025 YoungArts Award with Distinction in Writing. Photo courtesy of Herricks Public Schools.

By Williston Post Staff

Herricks High School is proud to celebrate sophomore Wenshu Wang, recipient of the prestigious 2025 YoungArts Award with Distinction in Writing. This highly competitive national award honors student artists who demonstrate exceptional technique, artistry, and a commitment to developing their craft.

Wenshu, a member of the Herricks High School English Scholars Program, has been honing her writing skills under the guidance of English and poetry teacher Alan Semerdjian, who also serves as the Nassau County Poet Laureate.

“Wenshu is a remarkably gifted writer whose portfolio of poems is a sophisticated and inventive collection, showcasing just how deserving she is of this award,” said Mr. Semerdjian. “She possesses eloquence, vision, and skill that is well beyond her years, and it is such a pleasure to help her fine-tune her talents.”

The YoungArts Award opens the door to incredible opportunities for Wenshu, including attendance at National YoungArts Week, a week-long arts residency in Miami, Florida. During this time, she will collaborate with fellow young artists, develop her craft under the mentorship of internationally recognized leaders in the arts, and build lifelong connections.

As part of this recognition, Wenshu’s work will also be evaluated for potential cash awards of up to $10,000 and considered for nomination to the U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts Program.

Herricks Public Schools extends heartfelt congratulations to Wenshu on this remarkable achievement. Her success is a reflection of her dedication and talent and is a source of pride for the entire Herricks community.