Marist High School is proud to announce that sophomore Brooklyn Reyna has been named the Level III winner of the 2025 Letters About Literature Contest, a statewide competition sponsored by the Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian, and the Illinois Center for the Book.
Brooklyn’s submission rose to the top of 503 entries in her grade level (Level III – Grades 9–12). Of those entries, only 286 were selected as Honorable Mentions, 44 as Finalists, and one winning letter was chosen — Brooklyn’s. This marks a historic first for Marist High School, as Brooklyn is the first student in school history to earn top honors in this prestigious competition.
The Letters About Literature contest invites students in grades 4–12 to write a personal letter to the author of a book that has made a meaningful impact on their lives. Students may enter the contest individually or through schools, libraries, and youth organizations. Brooklyn’s winning letter was one of several submitted in December by her English teacher.
Winners in each of the contest’s three grade-level divisions receive a $200 cash prize and a plaque from the Illinois Secretary of State. Their teachers receive a certificate and a $100 prize for the school’s library. An awards ceremony will take place in Springfield in early May, where Brooklyn and the other two statewide winners will be invited to read their letters aloud.
Marist High School is also proud to share that several other students who entered the contest are expected to receive recognition in the coming weeks as either Honorable Mentions or Finalists. Over the years, many Marist students have earned such honors — and this year is especially notable for Brooklyn’s breakthrough win.
The school extends special thanks to Marist English Teacher John Gonczy and Librarian Kristy Rademacher, whose continued support and collaboration have helped students and teachers succeed in the Letters About Literature program year after year.
For more information about the Letters About Literature contest, visit www.ilsos.gov.
