UAlbany in the High School Program Students Featured in ARCH, the UAlbany Undergrad E-journal of Creative Arts and Writing
Tristan Cofresi is the winner of the UAlbany in the High School Creative Writing Contest, and his poem, “Grey,” is featured in the latest issue of ARCH. Spring 2026 editors Benjamin Ruszala and Nailah Brightman served as judges for the contest.
Cofresi, a lifelong Bronx resident, serves as president of Lehman High School’s Student Council and as chief financial officer of the humanitarian startup, the Givora Foundation. Through these leadership roles, he is committed to giving back to his community and supporting those around him.
In addition to selecting the winner, the judges recognized several runners-up with honorable mentions:
- Jayrely Bautista – “Stand Clear”
- Emily Collazo-Schiavo – “Stomping Grounds”
- Lila Fenimore – “The Unraveling of a Name"