Mary Soutter Pack recently earned third place in the South Carolina High School Writing Contest for her essay, “The Palmetto Blueprint.” The essay explores the importance of fair opportunity for students across South Carolina and how access to resources can shape future success.
Mary said she was inspired to write the essay after attending the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program, where she met students from communities across the state.
"Hearing their experiences pushed me to think about how much someone’s future depends on where they grow up," Mary Soutter Pack said.
In the essay, Mary explored issues including education, land loss, and the challenges facing small businesses in South Carolina. She said one of the most difficult parts of the writing process was keeping the theme of fair opportunity at the center while weaving those topics together through the narrative of a character named Jasmine.
Mary also credits several teachers who influenced her development as a writer.
"My current AP Language and Composition teacher, Ms. Moore, influenced my writing by teaching me to pay attention to clarity and make the flow stronger," Mary said. "My AP Seminar teacher, Mrs. Brown, influenced my writing by teaching me how to research effectively and use credible sources to support an argument. My freshman English teacher, Mrs. Mullman, influenced my writing by teaching me how to build an essay with solid evidence and structure."
Outside of school, Mary enjoys reading and cites Little Women as one of her favorite books and Maureen Callahan as her favorite author.
After graduation, Mary plans to attend a four-year university and is interested in studying marketing, communication, or public service. She hopes to use what she has learned through her research about community issues to make a positive impact wherever she goes.
Read Mary Soutter's, The Palmetto Blueprint, below.
