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Charlize Sitto ’27 Earns Honorable Mention in The New York Times Tiny Memoir Contest

At St. Catherine of Siena Academy, we are proud to share that junior Charlize Sitto ’27 has received national recognition for her writing.

Thanks to encouragement from her English teacher, Mrs. “JZ” (Mrs. Zbytowski), Charlize submitted a piece to the New York Times Tiny Memoir Contest — and earned Honorable Mention Recognition for her entry, “5,000 Miles Can’t Be That Far…”

On February 19, The New York Times published Teen Tiny Memoirs: The Winners of Our 4th Annual 100-Word Narrative Contest, highlighting student writers from around the world. Out of more than 14,000 submissions, Charlize’s memoir stood out. Great job, Charlize!

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“5,000 Miles Can’t Be That Far…”

Charlize’s tiny memoir tells the story of her 8-year-old self attempting to mail herself to Germany after her best friend moved away:

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When I was 8, I tried to mail myself to Germany. My best friend had just moved there, and I figured if a letter could make it, so could I. I grabbed a cardboard box, some snacks, and some sanitizer (for protection against the germs in Germany). My plan ended when my Nana found me gluing on the shipping label –“To: Germany”. She laughed so hard she cried, and I cried too, but for a different reason. I didn’t know how to explain it then, but I wasn’t trying to travel. I just wanted to feel close to her again.

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The Power of a Prompt

This opportunity began in the classroom.

Mrs. “JZ,” who has been teaching at St. Catherine of Siena Academy since the school opened in 2010, regularly shares writing prompts and national contests with her students. With a Bachelor of General Studies and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Michigan, she brings both experience and enthusiasm to her classroom.

With 13 years of teaching experience, Mrs. Zbytowski has helped countless students discover their voice — and sometimes, that voice reaches a national audience.

At SCA, writing isn’t just an assignment, it’s an opportunity. Through thoughtful prompts, mentorship, and encouragement to take risks, our students learn that their stories matter. Charlize’s accomplishment reminds us that even the smallest story, just 100 words, can carry enormous impact.

Congratulations, Charlize! We are so proud of you!

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