Canyon Crest Academy’s Creative Writing Club announces 11th Annual CCA Writers’ Conference keynote speaker

Keynote speaker Michael Gaulden

(D.luxefotografie)

Canyon Crest Academy’s Creative Writing Club recently announced that writer and speaker Michael Gaulden will be the keynote speaker at the 11th annual CCA Writers’ Conference. It will take place in person on Saturday, March 19, and online on Sunday, March 20, 2022. This event is the only free high school writing conference in the country. Registration will open in January 2022.

Gaulden says: “It is an honor to present for the 11th annual CCA Writers Conference! I wish I were lucky enough to have such a wonderful opportunity in my youth. I believe that it is imperative for today’s youth to learn the importance of storytelling. All the more about the importance of writing your own story and then being the author of your own fate. Writing is a journey that takes you to places. I am happy to share my own story. I’m excited to see how far our next generation of writers will go. “

Michael Gaulden received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Los Angeles. He is a former qualitative and quantitative researcher for UCLA’s Black Male Institute, a research facility. He is currently CEO of Creating First Impressions, a communication and work readiness organization for the homeless, foster families, juvenile courts and all disadvantaged youth. The focus of “Creating First Impressions” is also on making contact with the homeless. Gaulden is a professional speaker and lead author of “My Way Home”, a treatise that tells how the homeless grew up in the city center. Gaulden’s debut picture book is due to appear in April 2022.

The Canyon Crest Academy Creative Writing Club co-presidents are looking forward to this year’s event. Isabella Hirst said: “We are so grateful that we can continue the conference for the eleventh time and we aim to use what we have learned in recent years for both a virtual and a face-to-face conference.

Abigail Tangonan said: “We are very happy that the inspiring Michael Gaulden  is giving our keynote. His determination to escape homelessness and build a successful life for himself and his family is a story everyone should hear. “

The CCA Writers’ Conference was started in 2012 by a student who attended the SDSU Writers Conference and wanted to offer her colleagues the same inspiring and educational workshops. It has grown into a major institution in the San Diego area, regularly receiving over 200 students from up to 40 high schools.

To continue providing this free experience to high school students, the CCA Creative Writing Club is looking for individual and business sponsors. Individuals can “Sponsor a Student” for as little as $ 25, or become a Gold Sponsor for more. Sponsors can email [email protected] for more information on how to make a contribution.

Students interested in the conference should follow @ccawritersconf on Twitter, @ccacreativewriting on Instagram or CCA Writers Conference on Facebook.

The conference will be held at the Educational Center, Canyon Crest Academy, 5951 Village Center Loop Road, San Diego, 92130. Registration is required.