Writers Week has been a cornerstone event at Fremd High School for over thirty years, celebrating storytelling, creativity, and the power of words. First started in 1995, it has grown tremendously over the years into a full-fledged week of presentations, performances, and discussions. This year’s event showcased the dedication of students, faculty, and alumni who contributed to its success.
Although Writers Week takes place annually, the planning never truly stops. Writers Week sponsors Russell Anderson and Gina Enk are always searching for authors and guest speakers who can provide unique perspectives to students.
“We’re always trying to put together a program that presents all of what writing can be,” Anderson said. “It is a year-long kind of endeavor.”
Preparations were already underway when applications for student presenters were released in November. This year’s event featured over a hundred students from all grades and backgrounds. A diverse group of guest presenters, including Fremd alumna Dana Kozlov, poet Ross Gay, and author/activist Loung Ung, were also invited to share their stories.
But Writers Week isn’t just about storytelling; it celebrates creative expression, including music. One of the most anticipated performances each year comes from FANBOYS, the fan-favorite faculty band.
With parodies of popular songs like “FE!N”, “Not Like Us”, and “HOT TO GO!”, the band begins selecting and composing the lyrics for their tracks in the winter. Their efforts culminate in a performance in front of a crowded audience near the end of the event.
But Writers Week has come a long way since its inception.
Initially, the event consisted of small gatherings to listen to professional writers, guest speakers, and faculty members. Students could only stop by during their lunch periods.
Today, Writers Week has expanded to span an entire week, complete with 40 periods of stories, songs, and entertainment. Although English classes always visit the event, teachers from other departments also bring their classes to watch the presentations or play the live-streamed videos.
“The growth of Writers Week is really a testament to students, faculty, administration, and their willingness to participate in the community,” Anderson said. “I feel very grateful that I work in a building where writing, creativity, and people’s stories are valued to such an extent.”
Senior Ishaan Batra shared a personal piece about how love can be expressed through actions rather than just words, intertwining family relationships with the tradition of sharing stories over chai.
“Every relationship looks different between anyone,” Batra said. “There’s not one way to be in a family; there’s not one way that a family expresses love.”
Batra recounted how another student expressed their appreciation for the piece at the end of the period.
“It made me feel really happy,” Batra said. “Like it impacted someone.”
Fremd’s Writers Week has created an atmosphere of inclusivity where anyone can showcase their work. Over the last 31 years, hundreds of singers, authors, and professionals have visited the school campus to spread their love of writing and language.
But for Anderson, the highlight of the week is not just the guest speakers—it is the students who take to the stage.
“We always get a little bit giddy for our visiting guest writers,” Anderson said. “But without fail, every year, it is the student periods that end up being the most memorable, the most moving.”
