At Montague High School, creativity has a place to grow — quietly, honestly, and without judgment. The Montague Creative Writing Club offers students a welcoming space to explore their ideas, experiment with words, and share their voices with peers who genuinely want to listen.
Led by English teacher Tricia Coppess, the club was created to give students a creative outlet beyond the classroom, whether they’re interested in competing or simply enjoy writing for themselves. “The purpose of the club is to allow students to write in a judgment-free zone and to be creative in all areas of writing,” Coppess said. Students explore poetry, short stories, plays, and screenplays, discovering new ways to express themselves along the way.
The idea for the club grew out of Coppess’s introduction to West Michigan Conference language arts competitions. While those contests inspired part of the club’s focus, Coppess wanted to ensure the space was inclusive. “I formed the creative writing club so that students could meet regardless of whether or not they wanted to compete,” she explained.
For students who choose to participate in competitions, the club helps them prepare through focused writing practice and creative exercises. Meetings often include writing prompts, silent writing time, and opportunities to share work, mixed in with games like Mad Libs and Super Fight to spark creativity and keep things fun.
That balance has paid off. Several students have earned recognition at West Michigan Conference language arts meets, an achievement Coppess says deserves celebration. “Students who are recognized…should be proud of the fact that they have been selected as excellent writers in the Oceana and Muskegon County area,” she said. “Many of our writers do not participate in sports, and it is fun to see them getting similar honors as athletes for their creative talents.”
Two students who stood out this year were Aiden Verbanic and Jayden Onstott. Aiden has been part of the club since its beginning three years ago and is known for his precise writing and positive leadership. “He offers advice to others and enters competitions with a positive attitude and willingness to cooperate,” Coppess said.
Jayden, a newer member, quickly made her mark by consistently submitting writing both during meetings and on her own time. Coppess noted Jayden’s dedication and passion, adding that the club gave her a place to grow. “Jayden aspires to be a writer someday, and this was an opportunity for her to be inspired as she received honest feedback from her peers.”
Beyond awards and competitions, Coppess sees the club making a deeper impact. Students gain confidence not only as writers, but as speakers and collaborators. Friendships form during meetings, competitions, and even post-event food stops. “I have also seen the students become more confident speakers and have seen friendships develop,” she said, noting that many students go on to encourage each other to join other activities like Quiz Bowl.
Meetings are held Tuesdays after school from September through Christmas break, and no two meetings look exactly the same. Some days focus on writing and sharing, while others emphasize connection — checking in with one another and easing into creativity without pressure.
Looking ahead, Coppess hopes to grow the club and expand opportunities, including trips to an art gallery or a book talk with a local author. Most of all, she wants more students to know they’re welcome.
“I would encourage any student who enjoys writing to stop by a meeting next fall,” she said. “There is never a requirement to write, but when they see others writing and sharing, they will probably feel inspired… No one’s writing is perfect at first, but everyone’s writing can get better when it is shared with others.”
At Montague High School, the Creative Writing Club is proving that words matter — and so do the voices behind them.
To hear directly from students involved in Montague’s creative writing program, watch CatchMark’s video featuring Davey, a junior, and Barlow, a senior. The two sat down with CatchMark’s Scott DeCamp (formerly with CatchMark) on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023, to discuss various aspects of Montague’s creative writing team.
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