The Adirondack Center for Writing (ACW) will present its 21st annual High School Writing Retreat on Thursday, Oct. 30, and Friday, Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, at Paul Smith’s College.

ACW’s High School Writing Retreat offers students from across the North Country an opportunity to spend two full days learning creative writing through workshops, activities, and readings. The retreat is open to any student in grades 9-12, including public, private, and homeschool students; there is no cost to attend.

“This free two-day event offers students a unique chance to learn from rockstar performance poets from New York City,” said Nathalie Thill, ACW’s executive director. “Plus, it’s a fantastic way to meet other North Country students interested in writing and a great experience to include on future college applications!”

This year’s instructors include Mahogany L. Browne, writer, playwright, organizer, educator and the latest recipient of the Theodore H. Holmes ’51 and Bernice Holmes National Poetry Prize; Noah Arhm Choi, author of CUT TO BLOOM and the winner of the 2019 Write Bloody Prize; and Jive Poetic, writer, organizer, educator and the co-founder of the Brooklyn Poetry Slam.

In addition to the retreat, ACW will host Poetry On Broadway at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30, at its headquarters, 15 Broadway, Saranac Lake, where this year’s writing retreat instructors will share their work with the general public. This event is free and open to all; register online at adirondackcenterforwriting.org.

Teachers and parents can learn more about this year’s High School Writing Retreat and register students at adirondackcenterforwriting.org/highschool.

Please note that schools and/or parents are responsible for transportation to and from Paul Smiths each day and students are expected to bring their own lunch or bring funds to purchase lunch from the Paul Smith’s College cafeteria. Due to new capacity regulations this year, each school can register a maximum of 10 students per day and each day will be capped at a total of 100 students. Registrants must register separately for each day. Registration will be first-come first-served.

Since 2005, the Adirondack Center for Writing has hosted its annual High School Writing Retreat, and each year brings in more talented local teen writers. This year’s retreat is generously supported by grants from Cloudsplitter Foundation, Charles R. Wood Foundation, Lake Placid Education Fund, and Saranac Lake Public School Education Fund.

The Adirondack Center for Writing has been bringing people and words together for 25 years through provocative events and meaningful programs. For more information about ACW, visit adirondackcenterforwriting.org or follow @adkctr4writing on Facebook and Instagram.