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.