The WKU Department of English held an award ceremony announcing the finalists and winners of the fifth annual High School Writing Contest on Saturday, March 26. Around 80 guests gathered in Cherry Hall to honor the high school students for their outstanding writing in composition, literature, and creative writing and to recognize their English teachers.

Department Head Dr. Alison Langdon commenced the event by welcoming guests and describing the significance of the contest. “Our goal with this contest is to celebrate the wonderful work that English teachers and students are doing in our region and to encourage students to major or minor in English,” Dr. Langdon stated.

Dr. Langdon then invited English student Zeita Beaver to speak, stating, “She's a great example of a student who has made the most of opportunities in the program.” Beaver discussed how her major and minor have enhanced her writing skills.  

Dr. Langdon gave special thanks to all the teachers that were present. The winners and finalists were then announced, with 22 finalists attending in person and five joining via Zoom. Winners will receive scholarships if they choose to major or minor in English at WKU and are awarded cash prizes regardless. 

WKU English Professor Trish Jaggers read her poem titled “When I Try to Say I’m Sorry to Those Who Are Suffering,” which is published in Kentucky Monthly magazine. The literature essay prompt asked students to analyze this poem and consider how it compares to current events. Dr. Ted Hovet announced the literature essay winners, which were as follows: Elizabeth Bowles in 1st place, Emma McGuffey in 2nd place, and David Naing in 3rd place, all of whom are from Warren East High School.

The composition essay winners, announced by Dr. Mark McAndrews, were Mia Gonzalez from Greenwood High School in 1st place, Kathryn Arnold from Station Camp High School in 2nd place, and Aleia Harper from Barren County High School in 3rd place. 

The creative writing winners, announced by Dr. Dale Rigby, were Emma Christian from Bowling Green High School in 1st place, Sara Parkerson from Greenwood High School in 2nd place, and Zoie Roberts from Franklin-Simpson High School in 3rd place. 

Creative writing winner Emma Christian wrote a short story about the experience of a school lunch lady during an apocalypse. She hopes to participate in more teen writing contests and projects in the future and is considering majoring in voice and English with a contraction in creative writing at WKU.