West presents first-ever Joe Sullivan Creative Writing Award

Sullivan Award 2014

2014 Manchester High School West graduate Crystalline Reynolds is the first recipient of the Joe Sullivan Creative Writing Award. The award was presented to the senior student who displayed passion and exuberance for creative writing, much like the man for whom the award is named.   Joe Sullivan was an English and creative writing teacher at West for 34 years, from 1968-2002. He passed away last September.

Members of the school’s English department chose Reynolds to receive the award in part for her ability to paint a picture that expresses vivid imagery, emotion and complexity.  

“She can be witty or serious, ironic or deep,” said teacher Stephanie Silver in her remarks during the award presentation.  “Her choice of words lets you hear, taste and touch every bit of each story and feel for every character she creates. I know that if she and Joe Sullivan had crossed paths here at West, he would have loved having her in his writing class.”  

Reynolds, who is from Manchester, will attend the NH Institute of Art where she will study both art and creative writing.