MCC Announces Writing Awards
Manchester Community College has announced the winners of the college’s annual Writing Awards Contest.
The writing contest encourages and recognizes the academic excellence of students who excel in writing. Entries can be submitted for consideration in any of the six categories: personal essay, expository essay, literary criticism, research paper, short story or poetry. Recognition – which includes certificates and small cash awards — are given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Additionally, up to three honorable mentions may be presented in each category.
Since 1991, the MCC English department has hosted the writing contest, which is open to anyone who has been a student at MCC during the current academic year. Typically, about 50 to 75 entries in six categories are judged by 15 English department faculty members. The generous support of donors to the MCC Foundation makes these awards possible.
Award winners by category, with their home towns listed:
NONFICTION
First: “The Aftermath” by Aimee Przasnyski, Middletown
Second: “Love, Sports, and the Stage of Life” by Paige Kolakowski, Rocky Hill
Third: “The Ultimate Healing Power” by Elizabeth Proteau, Deep River
Hon. Mention: “The Tentacles of Industrialized Food” by Matthew Hartman, Glastonbury
FICTION
First: “Letting Go” by Bill Worcester, Manchester
Second: “The Most Comfortable Bed You’ll Ever Sleep In” by Robert Kelly, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming; and Glastonbury, CT
Third: “Wicked Game” by Joshua Nelson-Canales, Rocky Hill
Hon. Mention: “All Things Considered” by Joshua Nelson-Canales
EMERGING WRITERS
First: “Changes from Reading” by Jeanina Palma, Rocky Hill
Second: “It Takes a Lot to Grow a Tree” by Christopher Williams, West Hartford
POETRY
First: “Beer Can” by Richard Chotkowski, New Britain
Second: “Modern Art” by Conor Breen, Colchester
Third: “You Bring Out the Mad Black Woman in Me” by Natasha Davis, Windsor
Hon. Mention: “Wilderness Program” by Valerie Rizzo, Glastonbury; “You Can Carry Me Home Now” by Heather (Strickland) Smith, Manchester; “The Life of a Street Musician” by Matt Prince, Vernon