On Wednesday, May 6, the Writing Center welcomed writer-in-residence Elise Juska for a day of storytelling, conversation, and literary inspiration.

Juska, the author of several works of fiction and nonfiction, is best known for her latest novel, "Reunion," released in 2024 by HarperCollins and named a New York Times Editors’ Choice. Her previous novels include "If We Had Known" and "The Blessings," a Barnes & Noble Discover New Writers selection and one of the Philadelphia Inquirer’s best books. She was also the founding director of the undergraduate creative writing program at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, where she received the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching.

Throughout the day, Juska visited Upper School English classes, working especially with juniors in Personal Essay Writing seminars. She offered guidance on storytelling techniques and personal narrative writing during sessions with Upper School English Teachers Kara McPhilips, Dr. Claire Barwise, and Dr. Mike Torrey.

The visit concluded with a special Writer’s Lunch in the Roberts Family Library, followed by a reading and book signing during flex. About 25 students and faculty members attended the lunch and reading, creating an intimate setting for writers to ask questions, discuss craft, and connect with a published author.