By Bernie Slupik
In February 2020 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, Kathryn Prerost, an 8th grader attending Madison Junior High School, traveled to New York with her family. Although exciting for the entire family, the trip was especially so for Kathryn for two reasons.
First, she attended the National Dog Writers Association of America Awards Banquet. Recognized as the 2019 Junior Writer of the Year, Kathryn received the Maxwell Medallion Award. Her story, Chain Reaction, chronicled her volunteer experiences with animal assisted therapy and volunteering; two activities very important to her. She connected it to her personal quest to bring a dog into her own family. Exciting stuff for an 8th grader.
The second reason Kathryn traveled to New York was to attend the 144th Westminster Dog Show. This prestigious and historic event is exciting, and especially so for Kathryn. Fortunate to obtain a Press Pass, rare for someone so young, it enabled her to get a glimpse behind the scenes at the show. Not only did the coveted pass give her privileges for the two day initial event, but it granted her privileges at Madison Square Garden where she had opportunities to interview and take photos of contestants and their handlers. Allowed to venture into areas restricted to the general public, she chatted with famous celebrities of the dog show world competing for Best of Breed, Best of Class, and most covetous Best in Show. Kathryn also had an opportunity to experience a busy Press Room, complete with work areas and snacks for members of the media. The pass’s privilege became even more enviable when she, but not her little brother, was permitted past security. What an amazing experience for a young writer!
During the show’s finals at Madison Square Garden, Kathryn took her reserved seat in the press box on the main floor. Taking notes on the evening’s highlights, she took it all in. She rubbed elbows with other journalists and met the halftime performers and lots of other dogs backstage.
Afterward, at a famous New York City diner, Kathryn recapped the day’s events. Introduced to a renowned handler and former Best in Show Winner, she took that opportunity to interview him over a late evening snack.
Kathryn’s latest story, The Perks of Having a Press Pass, fondly relives her experiences. Submitted to Dog Writers Association of America, it was published and subsequently entered into the 2020 DWAA Junior Writer of the Year competition.
As amazing as it was that Kathryn won the 2019 competition, it’s even more incredible that she’s being awarded the Maxwell Medallion for the second year in a row. This year’s awards banquet will need to be virtual, but the honor of receiving this prestigious award is not diminished.
Kathryn, now a freshman at Naperville Central High School, surely deserves accolades. Kathryn lives in Naperville with her proud parents, younger brother, Jack, and, of course, her dog, Maggie.
