At Ladue Horton Watkins High School (LHWHS), the English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum isn't just about analyzing the classics; it’s about creating them. Recently, under the direction of Tricia Garvey, LHWHS English Teacher, our creative writing students transformed from pupils into published authors, taking their original children’s stories on a "literary tour" to Conway Elementary School.

The project challenged high schoolers to master the art of narrative arc, structural framework, and creativity. However, the true test of their work didn't happen in a high school classroom; it happened on the rugs in Conway’s classrooms, where the student-authors read their works aloud to an audience of elementary students.

By bringing the curriculum to life, our high schoolers moved beyond their grades to see the real-world impact of their creativity.

"It was a fantastic two-day bridge between our buildings," said Superintendent Dr. Jim Wipke. "It shows exactly how our curriculum translates into meaningful opportunities and connections that drive student engagement. Our students never cease to amaze me!"

The impact was so profound that Conway Principal Dr. Tom Devitt highlighted the collaboration in his weekly video message. Dr. Devitt praised the "extraordinary quality" of the LHWHS students' work, emphasizing that the experience was equally transformative for the elementary listeners, who saw their "future selves" in the visiting leaders.

As we continue to foster a culture of leadership and creativity, these cross-building initiatives demonstrate the excellence of Ladue Schools. We aren't just teaching writing; we are fostering the next generation of storytellers and leaders.

Check out the photos of our students in action.