Fall Writing Contest Winners

The East Central College English and Humanities Department has announced the winners of this fall’s Fiction and Creative Non-Fiction Writing Contest.

“Stories, whether they are true or not, can be a kind of nourishment when life looks like a lonely trail,” said Josh Stroup, Assistant Professor and English Department Chair. “The stories that our students shared with us kept our judges full, and we hope to share this bounty with you all in the Spring 2025 edition of the Literary and Art Review.”

The department encourages readers to recognize these students for their dedication to crafting thoughtful and compelling work. While many stories were submitted—and all had something unique to offer—the winners are:

Fiction Winners

First Place — Lauren Hoey’s “Night Shift” — $100
Second Place — Hope Bratch’s “The Classic Chevrolet” — $50
Third Place — Mary Misener’s “The Kingdom of Ozymandias” — $25

Creative Non-Fiction Winners

First Place — Nicole Pope’s “Expanding Limitations” — $100
Second Place — Madeline Johnsen’s “Big Bad Love: Love Drives Purpose” — $50
Third Place — Kaylee Wonder’s “The Twins” — $25

The department extends its gratitude to the contest judges: John Hardecke, Assistant Professor; Linda Barro, Associate Professor; Dr. Aurelia VonTress, Instructor; and Dr. Kami Hancock, instructor.

Additional opportunities to showcase student creativity are on the horizon. The department will announce details for the upcoming Poetry and Research Writing Contests this spring.