By: Bhoomi Jobanputra & Caroline Tobjasz
Now in its second year, the Writing Center at Syosset High School has continued growing into a high demand academic resource for students across all grade levels. Established to foster stronger writing skills and encourage peer-to-peer learning, the program has quickly become an integral part of the school’s academic culture.
The Writing Center is staffed by approximately 30 Writing Fellows, students who earned their positions through a highly selective and competitive application process. Applicants were required to demonstrate not only advanced writing ability, but also strong academic performance, communication skills, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. As a result, the tutors represent a diverse group of high-achieving students. Ms. Anne Blaney, teacher for the Writing Fellowship Program, said, “These students are eager to expand their toolset not only for writing in various contexts, but also in their work with their peers. They are curious and engaged, and devote a tremendous amount of their limited time and energy to this work.”
The center operates on the principle that writing is a fundamental skill across all subjects. While many fellows excel in English, they also demonstrate strengths in mathematics, science, music, art, and other academic disciplines. Students may visit the Writing Center for assistance with a wide range of assignments, including analytical essays, research papers, lab reports, and college application essays. Rather than simply editing student work, tutors focus on developing ideas, improving organization, and building confidence. This process-oriented approach helps students become more independent and effective writers over time.
In addition to one-on-one appointments, the Writing Center has expanded its presence through classroom collaborations. Many students may recognize Writing Fellows from visits to their English or content-area classes. During these collaborations, tutors work alongside teachers to support writing workshops, model revision strategies, and assist students during the drafting process. Their goal is to help every student they can, regardless of the level at which they are working. “After the Writing Fellows worked with my eleventh graders for the first time, my students came in the next day and one asked, ‘Where are those writing buddies? Can they help us again?’ I thought that said so much. My students felt supported by friendly peers who collaborated with them on the writing process,” said Ms. Blaney.
Appointments at the Writing Center are available to all Syosset High School students and can be scheduled through the Writing Center page on Canvas. This accessibility ensures that any student, whether seeking extra help or aiming to refine an already strong piece of work, can receive individualized support in a welcoming and collaborative environment. Writing Center tutors also participate in ongoing training, where they learn how to provide constructive feedback, adapt to different learning styles, and guide productive conversations about writing. These experiences help fellows develop leadership and communication skills while strengthening the overall effectiveness of the program.
As the Writing Center continues into its second year, its impact is increasingly evident throughout the school. With growing student participation and continued collaboration with teachers, the program has helped create a culture that values revision, collaboration, and academic growth. The Writing Center stands as a testament to Syosset High School’s dedication to student leadership and excellence, proving that strong writing is the foundation of success across all subjects.
