Five Questions with Ke Nicole Du Hu ’22

Two-time national writing medalist is honored by recognition for essay.

BY KATE DUNLOP

Ke Nicole Du Hu ’22 was awarded a National Gold Medal for her op-ed essay “Simone Biles Goes for the Bronze” in the 2022 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards in recognition of her originality, technical skill and emergence of personal voice. The Harvard-bound Sixth Former wrote the piece for an assignment in Rector Kathy Giles’ creative writing class. Here, she shares more about its origins and what writing means to her.

Can you tell us about your winning entry?
Inspired by the 2022 Winter Olympics, my essay explores the challenges faced by athletes and the weighty expectations placed upon all performers by the media and the public. This piece challenges the ethos of contemporary athletics to “grind harder” and “toughen up,” an attitude which has forced many to ignore their mental needs and push through emotional trauma. I end with the idea that maybe in this “go for the gold” culture, we should all learn how to go for the Bronze.

Have you entered this competition before?
Yes! Last year, I won the National Silver Medal in the Scholastics Dramatic Script category for my play “The Old You.” Set during the pandemic, it depicts a Chinese family of three and their series of arguments as a consequence of accumulated tension and trauma. Despite their inseparable love, they know each other’s insecurities and drive in the knife right where it’s most painful. The ending, though not exactly happy, offers a message of hope that family will always be family.

What does it mean to have your voice recognized in this way?
To have my work recognized on a national level is a huge honor. I submitted for fun and did not expect this award. Knowing that I can move people through my writing is so encouraging as I continue my journey as a writer.

What does writing mean to you?
I discovered the transformative power of creative writing not as a humanities student or a book reader but as a young girl navigating my way in three countries. Living in transit between Shanghai and Vancouver, then later moving to St. Paul’s School, I have always been trying to define my identity in the midst of new languages, cultures and people. When I missed my grandparents in Shanghai or when I felt estranged in new environments, I began to write, releasing my messy thoughts in my journal. In the alternate reality of writing, I reimagined conversations, dramatized my worries, and experimented with self-expression. Early on, creative writing was a personal coping mechanism, a way of assembling the world and relaying emotions. Now, as I’ve grown comfortable with myself and surroundings, writing has become an enjoyable artistic endeavor.

Is there anything else you would like people to know about this accomplishment?
I am beyond grateful for all the support I received over the past four years at SPS. The Humanities program has enriched my life beyond measure and allowed me to explore myself and my surroundings through meaningful and unexpected lenses. I am also very thankful to my parents; my family and my friends, who have never stopped inspiring me; and Mrs. Giles for all the fun during Creative Writing.