Congratulations Are In Order: Winners Of The Student Writing Contest

The English Department would like to congratulate the winners of this year's student writing contest in the following award categories.  We are very proud of your accomplishment!

The Baillie Award for the Literary Essay: “A Society, Spirited Away” by Maddison Price.

Judge’s comments: “The author’s enthusiasm for the film is clear, and the essay stimulates reader interest in the film.  The essay stayed focused on an engaging thesis, and the level of analysis was strong.  I also felt that the author developed ideas with clarity. There was effective summary of important parts of the film supplemented with engaging commentary.”  

The Fuller Fiction Award: “Chapter One of the Sea Captain and Her Lover” by Abbey Bowman.

Judge’s comments: “The story succeeds largely because of its memorable characters, inventive descriptions, and a sure-handed perspective that is both funny and whip-smart. By the end of the chapter, the reader understands that they are about to embark on a journey that is both epic and yet grounded in the messy details that make up real life.”

The Peters Award for Creative Nonfiction: “Untitled,” by Sarah Stambaugh.

Judge’s comments: "There are many subtle instances where the writer reveals snippets of their background while discussing the first six roommates.  I admire the trust in the reader.  I also admire the structure and tone of the essay.  It begins by focusing on six figures (which encapsulates the disassociation) before the writer steps out to really discuss their own situation upon arriving at college.  There is also a compelling objectiveness in the telling here.  The writer wants to help us understand something remarkable and accomplishes this by grounding us in excellent imagery.  They also trust us to bring our own empathy in order to appreciate how challenging and difficult their upbringing must have been.  In that trust, and in the fine decision-making about what to show or tell and what not, lies the power of this piece."

The Savage Award for Poetry: “Hyperphagia” by Maya Sites-Kagenski.

The judge found the piece “musical and wise with compelling metaphorical imagery and strong surprise.”