2016

Blinn – Schulenburg names winners of Emerging Writers Contest

Eight student writers earn recognition for academic writing, fiction, non-fiction and poetry

Eight student writers were selected from more than 80 entries in the Blinn College – Schulenburg Fifth Annual Emerging Writers Contest.

Natalie Huebel (Columbus) placed first and Jacob Michalke (Schulenburg) placed second in academic writing; Devin Taylor (Schulenburg) placed first and Joy Hall (La Grange) placed second in fiction; Mona Desselle (Weimar) placed first and Jordan Deagan (Schulenburg) placed second in non-fiction; and Lucas Kaiser (La Grange) placed first and Cole James (Columbus) placed second in poetry.

“I have always enjoyed writing but it wasn’t until I took Audrey Wick’s class that she opened my eyes to all of the different writing techniques to improve my writing,” Huebel said. “I am proud of my writing, and I have Ms. Wick to thank for that.”

The contest, open to all students who have taken a Blinn-Schulenburg course within the past academic year, including dual credit, was sponsored by Cengage Learning. Cengage Learning awarded winners with gift cards this year and honored some previous winners by featuring their work as models of exemplary student writing.

The awards ceremony was attended by local writers Bill Bishop, Dr. Julie Ardery and Beth Wiseman. The three published writers gave advice to the student writers about continuing the writing craft and being persistent. Wiseman also served as one of the judges for the contest.

“It has been great to see the community and administration support something that celebrates work of the students,” Wick said. “I think everybody has a little writer in them and whether it is through a class or through a contest like this, it shows them the value of their voice in writing.”

Blinn – Schulenburg offers a variety of academic transfer, workforce training and continuing education classes to fit the needs of any student. For information on course offerings and student registration, visit: www.blinn.edu or call 979-743-5200.

Photo from left to right: (Top row) English Instructor Audrey Wick, assistant vice president of instruction Karen Buck, Jacob Michalke, Jordan Deagan, Cole James, Schulenburg campus director Becky Garlick, dean of instructional administration Dr. Greg Phillips, district president/CEO Dr. Mary Hensley. (Bottom row) Devin Taylor, Natalie Huebel, Mona Desselle and Joy Hall. Not pictured: Lucas Kaiser.

The winners were:
ACADEMIC WRITING
First place: Natalie Huebel
Second place: Jacob Michalke

FICTION
First place: Devin Taylor
Second place: Joy Hall

NON-FICTION
First place: Mona Desselle
Second place: Jordan Deagan

POETRY
First place: Lucas Kaiser
Second place: Cole James

Over 80 entries were received, and judges have selected these winners based on their individual merit as exemplary pieces of writing.

Prizes sponsored by Cengage Learning.