Illinois Association of Teachers of English (IATE) presented OH alum and former teacher Michael Leali with the Illinois Author of the Year Award this week at the IATE Conference in Palos Hills.
Although there was no specific book that won him a reward, his debut novel “The Civil War of Amos Abernathy” had already won an award: the prestigious Golden Kite Award in 2023, and he was set up to win in 2026.
“I mean, I’m really excited and honored,” Leali said in an online interview. “It comes from the Illinois Association of Teachers of English… [so] as a former high school English teacher [and student] at Oswego High School, this feels just so big and special.”
Leali worked as a teacher for three years, all spent at OH. During his time as a student at OH, Leali was an active member of the community, especially the vocal music department as a part of choir, A Cappella, Show Choir, vocal jazz group, theater productions, and the spring musical.
“I loved going to high school at OHS,” Leali recalled. “For me, I loved being a part of [it all]. That was just like so much fun and [I] spent a lot of time with friends, hanging out and being silly.”
Leali left a big impact on the community, including his former teachers and co-workers, many of whose students are now reading Leali’s work.
“If I had to give him advice I’d have no notes,” said OH English teacher Erin Holtz, who taught Leali in her Speech course when he was a student here. “I think he’s perfected it, the craft.”
OH can expect nothing but more projects from Leali from here on out. “I am constantly writing,” he shared. “I have many many projects. I write picture books [for] kid[s] to young adult[s], and I can’t talk too much about it but I do have a new project that will be coming out in a couple of years,” said Leali.
For his books, Leali drew on his personal experiences for inspiration, and that includes his time at OH.
“During a speech he did [at an OH] festival last year, he mentioned how the school was a part of his inspirations but I think it came from a lot of different things,” said Holtz.
Even Leali agrees that OH helped foster his enthusiasm for writing and teach him the craft.
“I mean, I had so many incredible teachers, and especially like, in the English Department, they all fostered my love of reading and writing,” said Leali.
Teachers do a lot of foster creativity in students, whether or not students end up award-winning authors like Leali, and writing creatively can give students a lot of freedom and a unique way to express themselves.
Leali said as advice to students, “I would say write as much as you possibly can. Free yourself from expectations of having it be perfect … just challenge yourself to explore.”
In addition to Leali’s debut novel, “The Civil War of Amos Abernathy,” Leali’s other novels include “The Truth About Trianges” and “Matteo.” All of Leali’s books are available in the OH library for students to check out, and each of them are signed by Leali to the high school as gifts to his alma mater.
“I would [also] say read as much as you possibly can,” Leali concluded. “I think the best writing teacher, especially for a young person, is books.”
You can contact me by emailing 42Fifty@sd308.org and putting my name in the subject line. We welcome comments on our articles and feedback on our publication! I am a Senior at OHS, and a first year reporter.
