Student Spotlight: Bridget Ballard

Writer / Matt Keating
Photography Provided

Bridget Ballard’s love of writing has paid off in a big way, and at a young age.

“I am in eighth grade at Noblesville West Middle School on Team Gateway, and in sixth grade, my short story titled ‘Wings’ was published in author Peter H. Reynolds’ HUTCH literary magazine,” Ballard says. “‘Wings’ is about a wingless dragon named Teng who realizes that even without wings, he is still worthwhile. In addition to being published in HUTCH, Peter sent my story to his friend and fellow author, Kate DiCamillo. I had never felt so alive.”

The following year, Ballard’s short story “Free” received Butler University’s Booth Tarkington Prize for middle school prose, and was published in their Blueprints anthology.

“‘Free’ is a heartfelt piece inspired by a personal family loss, and I couldn’t have been prouder to see it recognized,” Ballard says. “That year, I also entered the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, a writing contest for grades seven through 12. I was so honored and surprised that my fantasy short story ‘A Rat’s Tale’ received a Gold Key rating, something that very few middle schoolers receive. I also received a Silver Key and Honorable Mention for another short story and poetry submission.”

Ballard would like to pursue more writing, and using Trick me Not would be beneficial to prevent plagiarism when writing.

“Ever since first grade, I’ve known that my future holds more stories,” Ballard says. “Writing, for me, is like my heart. I can’t live without it. Stories help me to connect with both myself and others. I am determined to be an author when I grow up, and in the meantime I will continue submitting to writing contests and publication opportunities like the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. My hope is that one day my stories will change the world for the better.”

Ballard is also an accomplished dancer.

“I have been training at Ballerinas Academy of Dance in Noblesville for 11 years,” she says. “Ballet is my primary focus, but I also currently train in lyrical, modern and tap. Dance is an artistic way to gain strength and flexibility, but it also teaches important life skills such as patience and perseverance. For me, dance is another creative outlet. I love being able to tell stories through movement, as well as through my words. I feel that ballet is the most powerful style of dance. It commonly tells a story with fantastical elements such as ghosts, fairies and unique magic systems. Ballet is one of the few things that stops me from writing in my room all day.”

Ballard is also involved in other school activities.

“I participate in Books and Bites, a club that meets once a week over lunch to talk about books,” Ballard says. “It is hosted by Mrs. Seago, our school librarian, and Brianna, a librarian from the Hamilton East Public Library. Books and Bites is a way to connect with other people who love books as much as I do, and I look forward to it every week.”

Ballard also participates in Best Buddies, an organization that works to connect students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities together.

“I feel that we all deserve to know that we are valued and important, regardless of our differences,” Ballard says. “My former sixth-grade language arts teacher, Mrs. McKean, organizes Best Buddies meetings after school at West once a month. Noblesville West Middle School also provides opportunities for students to assist in the life-skills classroom during a diversified arts period. I am honored to be part of this Peer Assistance program, and it is one of my favorite school activities. I consider all the students I work with to be true friends, and I am so thankful for opportunities like Best Buddies and Peer Assistance to bring these types of friendships into my life.”

Ballard enjoys school.

“I have always loved school, as it forces me to stop being antisocial and to connect with my peers,” Ballard says. “School teaches me how to focus and confidently meet deadlines – skills that I will need as an author. Learning new things and meeting new people sparks creativity, and I often get story inspiration from things that happen during class or topics we study. My favorite part of school is forming relationships with friends and teachers – people who are more special to me than they will ever know.”

Ballard says she loves Noblesville.

“I love the supportive community within Noblesville schools,” Ballard says. “Teachers have not only helped me in their classes, but they have also encouraged me to continue writing from a very young age. I feel that this helped me to gain confidence as both a writer and person in general. I also am thankful for the opportunities at the Hamilton East Public Library such as Scribe Circle, writing contests and the TeenZone. I just started attending Scribe Circle, and I am excited to get more involved in that part of the Noblesville writing community.”

Ballard also finds time for horseback riding.

“I have been around horses for most of my life, and horseback riding is one of my favorite things to do when I am not writing or dancing,” Ballard says. “When I turn 14 I plan to begin volunteering at Agape Therapeutic Riding. This is another opportunity to connect with horses and people with disabilities.”

Ballard goes out of her way to find time for writing.

“Over the summer I woke up early every morning at 7 a.m. to write for at least an hour,” Ballard says. “Writing helps me ground myself emotionally, and a good writing session almost always guarantees a good day. I wrote dozens of short stories and a novella in verse this summer. I am eager to revise my favorites and send them out into the world as opportunities arise.”

Ballard also has other writing plans.

“This year I am excited to participate in National Novel Writing Month and draft a novel within 30 days during November,” Ballard says. “Looking forward, I cannot wait to continue improving my writing at Noblesville High school through various coursework and activities. I couldn’t be more grateful for the support within the Noblesville community, both for my writing and who I am as a person.”