Writing That ’ s a Testament to Values
Reflections from Michael Hirsch ’ 14
Obelisk , Saint David ’ s journal of literature and the arts , now in its 14th year , features selections of boys ’ visual art and written work across several genres : poetry , personal narrative , short fiction , scripts , and essays including the Grade Eight Hoguet Prize Essay , Grade Seven Trustees Prize Essay , and a Grade Six Digital Universe script .
Boys are invited to submit writing and art samples of their choice for consideration . Finalists are selected by teachers in English , art , and learning services , and these pieces are then reviewed by alumni volunteers during the summer . Michael Hirsch ’ 14 and Josh Doolan ’ 14 served as the alumni judges for the 2023 literary selections to Obelisk . Graham Higgins ’ 05 , Timothy Johns ’ 14 , and Will Smith ’ 00 judged the finalist artwork submissions .
As Obelisk editor Catherine Milligan noted about the alumni on the selection committee , “ Each one of these ‘ Saint David ’ s boys ’ has made invaluable contributions to the final publication , contributing thoughtful comments and generous positive feedback
Michael Hirsch ’ 14 with sister and former Saint David ’ s teaching assistant , Carolyn . along the way .” Below , Michael Hirsch ’ 14 reflects on how the experience resonated with his time at Saint David ’ s . I feel truly honored to have collaborated with Ms . Milligan and Josh Doolan on this year ’ s writing selections for the Obelisk . When first approached to be a guest judge , I got goosebumps . To be thought of as someone who would add value and critical thought to the selection process is truly humbling , but to be in the forefront of my former teachers ’ minds made me quite emotional . My days on 89th Street serve as the foundation for who I am today and I take great pride in being an alum . I was quick to reply to Ms . Milligan ’ s email and anxiously awaited her follow-up with the students ’ work .
Reflecting on our review session , it was a wonderful and emotional experience because my memories of Saint David ’ s are filled with joy , laughter , and fun , and it brought me back to those times . Over my nine years at the school , as my classmates and I grew into more mature and sophisticated versions of ourselves , we never abandoned our innate desire to be creative and original in thought . Now , ten years after graduation , it is evident that the school continues to provide students with the space to think
“ From a summer fling heartbreak in Paris to the tragedies of 9 / 11 , the students manifested a rare form of curiosity ; one that conveys an awareness , recognition , compassion , and empathy for this shared human experience .”
freely and express themselves through art and literature . In reading and discussing all of the pieces submitted for the Obelisk , Josh and I were astounded by the depth and breadth of the writing .
Often , our analyses went in varying directions , which only showcases the complexity and abstract layers of each work . The best writers leave much to be interpreted by their audience , and all of these students accomplished that . From a summer fling heartbreak in Paris to the tragedies of 9 / 11 , the students manifested a rare form of curiosity — one that conveys an awareness , recognition , compassion , and empathy for this shared human experience .
24 • Saint David ’ s Magazine