Best of the Writing Period Introduction

The Writing Period is a highlight of English classes at Cate. During the Writing Period, students engage in frequent high-interest, low-stakes writing activities designed to deepen an understanding of how to use the tools of quality writing and to hone the unique qualities of voice. Presented in the Fall Family Weekend edition of El Batidor are four “best of” selections of student work from the Writing Period. Two personal essays by Alexander Espinoza ‘25 and Anonymous ‘25 examine the role of hamartia, a fatal flaw, in contending with heartbreak. The two selections from Folakemi Oloritun ‘26 and Serena Ratcliff ‘26 are part of the “lyrical animal” essay assignment that asks students to consider the qualities of an animal as a metaphor for understanding the human condition.