Most high school students graduate with a diploma. Ste. Genevieve High School Class of 2026 Salutatorian Eleanor McKlin graduated with something else to add to her résumé—a published novel.
Earlier this year, Eleanor celebrated the release of her first published work, “The Old Slave House: Unraveling the Past”, alongside family, friends, classmates, teachers and district leaders during a book signing held at SGHS.
The novel, published in January, was co-written by Eleanor and SGHS English-language arts and creative writing teacher Mr. Joshua Banks. The pair worked on the project throughout her sophomore and junior years, with Eleanor writing under the pen name Meleia Mors and authoring every even-numbered chapter.
Set against the frozen, haunting backdrop of Southern Illinois, The Old Slave House: Unraveling the Past follows siblings Kayden and Jackson as a Christmas cabin getaway takes a chilling turn. Strange events draw them into a forgotten past and a dark family secret that refuses to stay buried. Blending historical legends with supernatural suspense, family drama and unexpected twists, the story explores what happens when the past finds its way into the present.
The book signing gave members of the SGHS community an opportunity to congratulate Eleanor on her achievement and have their copies of the novel signed. Among those attending were her parents, Athena and Mark McKlin; her brother, Nathan; grandparents and extended family members; friends and teammates; co-author Mr. Banks; and numerous teachers, staff and administrators who supported her throughout her writing journey.
This fall, Eleanor is attending Missouri State University, where she plans to pursue a degree in Screenwriting and Film Studies, continuing the passion for storytelling she demonstrated through her first published novel.
Looking for your next read? “The Old Slave House: Unraveling the Past” is available on Amazon.