The Rebecca Summerhays Award for Growth in Writing
"Rebecca Summerhays was an extraordinary teacher."
Rebecca Summerhays taught in the Wellesley Writing Program from 2018-2022, when she passed away at the age of 47. Rebecca was deeply committed to changing her students’ lives by cultivating their ability to express themselves. The fact that she taught until the week before she entered hospice, and three weeks before she died, demonstrates the depth of that commitment.
Not only did Rebecca foster students’ wordsmithing abilities, she also introduced them to a range of ways to use their voice. It was not unusual to see Rebecca carrying bags of yarn, knitting needles, and quilting supplies to her classes. She believed that every student possessed creative abilities, and she saw her role as guiding them to make full use of their natural powers of expression.
To that end, Rebecca devoted herself to all her students, particularly those for whom writing did not come easily. She was patient, kind, and resourceful. She also encouraged students to own the connection between self-expression and both personal and political power.
Honoring Rebecca's dedication to teaching
This award is given in the spirit of honoring Rebecca’s pedagogy, collegiality, friendship, optimism, and unwavering belief in each student’s potential for growth. Each semester, the award and $125 goes to a student who has shown notable progress, perseverance, and resilience in a first-year writing class.
Students nominate themselves for the prize by submitting two pieces of writing that together demonstrate a growth trajectory, as well as a short essay that reflects on their progress over the semester. The awardees' reflections highlight the strategies these students used to improve their writing process, develop their confidence, and strengthen their writing skills.
Donating to support the award
Donations to support the cash prize that comes with the award may be made online or by check. If you give a gift online, please select "Other" as the fund designation and type in "Chapman Fund." If you give via check, please write "Chapman Fund in memory of Rebecca Summerhays" in the memo line, and mail to Wellesley College Development Office, 106 Central Street, Wellesley, MA 02481.