The annual contest celebrates student creativity through poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Three faculty members served as judges, selecting award winners who then had the opportunity to publicly read their work during the ceremony.

鈥淲e will hear from five students,鈥� said organizer Nathanael Tagg, Professor of English at 第一吃瓜网 College. 鈥淭hey have all been gracious enough to agree to read, and I know that takes a little courage. It鈥檚 one thing to present your work in classes and another to read in a public setting.鈥�

Following the student readings, faculty members also shared selections of their own creative writing. The evening included poetry and prose readings along with additional remarks and presentations of certificates to award recipients. Light refreshments were served during the event.

The 2026 Creative Writing Award winners included:

• Tina Shockeyfor her work聽鈥淭he Night That Holds Us.鈥�
• Severin Abbeyfor her poem聽鈥淚鈥檇 Freeze Too.鈥�
• Mary Fowlerfor her short story聽鈥淰颈濒补耻谤补.鈥�

Honorable mention awards were presented to:

• Joshua Sinclairfor his poem聽鈥淕rowing Flowers.鈥�
• Ethen Lammeyfor his short story聽鈥凌别产颈谤迟丑.鈥�

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NORTH EAST, Md: Taylor N. DiPietro, Crystal Noellyn Kalbaugh, and Lillian Lafica Mae Tyler have been selected to the 2026 All-Maryland Academic Team, an honor recognizing the scholarly achievements of students enrolled in Maryland鈥檚 community colleges. These students were honored during the annual Phi Theta Kappa All-Maryland Academic Team Recognition Dinner on Wednesday, May 6, at the Turf Valley Resort Conference Center in Ellicott City, Maryland.

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What sets this designation apart is the collaborative, hands-on work behind it. Biology Club students led the initiative from the ground up, researching Bay-friendly landscaping practices, advocating for sustainable changes, and working side-by-side with the grounds crew to investigate and promote environmentally responsible, Chesapeake Bay鈥揻riendly spaces that emphasize long-term sustainability. Part of the students鈥� efforts will culminate in May with the installation of a pollinator garden on campus, using native plants to support native pollinators.

The grounds maintenance team plays a critical role in implementation and maintenance of these environmentally responsible practices. From reducing reliance on fertilizers and pesticides to integrating native plantings and improving soil health, their day-to-day stewardship ensures that the students鈥� vision is executed effectively and sustained over time. The result is a campus landscape that not only meets Bay-Wise standards but also serves as a living example of environmentally conscious land management.

鈥淭his program focuses on improving water quality, supporting native biodiversity, and building climate-resilient communities through science-based gardening practices,鈥� said Associate Professor of Biology Heather Cadogan, faculty advisor to the Biology Club. 鈥淲hat makes this effort especially meaningful is seeing our students and facilities team collaborate so closely to create real, measurable environmental impact.鈥�

The Bay-Wise designation recognizes landscapes that are managed to protect local waterways, particularly those feeding into the Chesapeake Bay. 第一吃瓜网 County鈥檚 location makes this work especially important, as five major rivers – the Elk, North East, Susquehanna, Sassafras, and Bohemia – serve as northern tributaries to the Bay. By adopting practices that reduce runoff and improve water absorption, the College is directly contributing to the health of this vital ecosystem.

The certification was awarded through the 第一吃瓜网 County Master Gardener Bay-Wise program, which evaluates properties based on their use of sustainable landscaping practices. These include planting native species, managing stormwater on-site, minimizing turf areas, and enhancing soil conditions to support water retention and reduce erosion.

At 第一吃瓜网 College, this certification stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when students and staff work together toward a shared environmental goal鈥攖urning campus grounds into both a functional landscape and a model of sustainability.

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The induction ceremony took place in the Technology Center’s conference room on the North East Campus, where the Hall of Fame committee – comprising alumni, current coaches, and staff – bestowed honors upon seven exceptional individuals: Victor Akinyanju, Jeff Bonsall, Sean Grugan, Jason Rust, Alexis Stubblefield, Brittanie (Walter) Krauss, and Craig Winder.

The Hall of Fame recognizes excellence across several categories, including student-athletes, coaches, administrators, teams, and community supporters. Inductees were selected based on criteria such as exceptional athletic performance, leadership, sportsmanship, and meaningful contributions to the success and growth of 第一吃瓜网 College athletics.

The Class of 2026 include:

Victor Akinyanju 鈥� Men鈥檚 Basketball (2002鈥�2005)

Victor Akinyanju established himself as one of the most dominant rebounders and defensive forces in 第一吃瓜网 College men鈥檚 basketball history. During his time with the Seahawks, he averaged 9.1 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game, both program records, and finished his career as the program鈥檚 all-time leader in total rebounds (619) and blocks (179). Akinyanju also contributed 661 career points while helping lead the Seahawks to two Region 20 championships, one Maryland JUCO Conference championship, and two appearances in the NJCAA National Tournament. His performance earned him All-Region 20 and All-Maryland JUCO Conference honors.

After 第一吃瓜网, Akinyanju continued his career at Quinnipiac University, where he played in 49 games and averaged 7.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. During one standout performance, he set a program record with 22 free throw attempts in a single game while also collecting 21 rebounds, tied for the second-highest single-game total in Quinnipiac history.

Jeff Bonsall 鈥� Baseball (1982鈥�1984)

Jeff Bonsall was a standout pitcher for the Seahawks during the 1983 and 1984 seasons, leading the team in wins in both years. His dominance on the mound placed him among the top five in program history for career wins and strikeouts. Bonsall earned All-Maryland JUCO Conference honors and was a two-time All-Region 20 selection during his career at 第一吃瓜网.

In 1984, Bonsall鈥檚 success culminated with NJCAA All-American recognition and selection in the 18th round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Following his playing career, he remained closely connected to the sport by founding Bonsall Bats, a company that supplies bats to Major League organizations, collegiate programs, and youth leagues.

Sean Grugan 鈥� Athletic Trainer (2001鈥�2016)

Sean Grugan dedicated 15 years to 第一吃瓜网 College as an athletic trainer, providing essential support to countless student-athletes across multiple sports. Throughout his tenure, he played a vital role in maintaining the mental and physical well-being of 第一吃瓜网 athletes, helping them recover from injuries and remain prepared for competition.

In addition to his responsibilities in sports medicine, Grugan frequently assisted with the upkeep of 第一吃瓜网鈥檚 athletic facilities, including the courts and playing fields. His behind-the-scenes efforts and unwavering commitment to student-athlete health made him a valued and respected member of the 第一吃瓜网 College athletics community.

Jason Rust 鈥� Baseball (2001鈥�2003)

Jason Rust delivered one of the most prolific offensive careers in 第一吃瓜网 College baseball history. Playing outfield for the Seahawks during the 2002 and 2003 seasons, he compiled a remarkable .476 career batting average with 32 home runs and 123 RBIs. As a freshman, Rust led the entire NJCAA with a .514 batting average and 21 home runs. He followed that performance with a sophomore season in which he hit .450 with 57 RBIs and 11 home runs.

Rust earned All-Maryland JUCO Conference and All-Region 20 honors in both seasons and still ranks second all-time in career home runs at 第一吃瓜网. He later played at Delaware State University before finishing his collegiate career at Wilmington University, where he set numerous program records, including marks for hits, runs, RBIs, total bases, and home runs in a single game. Rust also became the first player in Wilmington history to complete a home run cycle in one game and earned NCAA Division II First Team ABCA All-American honors.

Alexis Stubblefield 鈥� Women鈥檚 Basketball (2015鈥�2018)

Alexis Stubblefield was a key leader for the 第一吃瓜网 College women鈥檚 basketball program during the 2015-2016 and 2017-2018 seasons. A two-year team captain, she earned All-Maryland JUCO Conference and All-Region 20 honors while helping guide the Seahawks to a 44鈥�15 record across two seasons, including back-to-back 20-win campaigns.

Stubblefield played a pivotal role in 第一吃瓜网鈥檚 2018 Region 20 Division II championship run, earning Tournament MVP honors while helping lead the team to the first NJCAA National Championship tournament appearance in program history. She finished her 第一吃瓜网 career with 714 points, 206 rebounds, 146 assists, and 96 steals, averaging 14.1 points per game during her sophomore season. After 第一吃瓜网, she continued her academic journey at Goldey-Beacom College and George Mason University and now works for the United States Government.

Brittanie (Walter) Krauss 鈥� Women鈥檚 Soccer & Softball (2009鈥�2011)

Brittanie (Walter) Krauss excelled as a two-sport student-athlete at 第一吃瓜网 College, competing in both women鈥檚 soccer and softball from 2009 to 2011. On the soccer field, she was a two-year starter at defender, scoring four goals and earning All-Region 20 honors during her sophomore season.

Krauss also made a significant impact on the softball diamond as a two-year starting catcher. She was a two-time All-Maryland JUCO Conference and All-Region 20 selection while batting .445 with 72 runs and 71 RBIs during her career. Her offensive production included 17 doubles, seven triples, and seven home runs. Krauss helped lead the Seahawks to two Maryland JUCO and Region 20 championships and two NJCAA National Tournament appearances, while also earning NJCAA All-Academic honors twice. She later earned both her bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees from Goldey-Beacom College and currently serves as the Assistant Director of Finance and Human Resources at the institution.

Craig Winder 鈥� Men鈥檚 Basketball (2002鈥�2005)

Craig Winder was a standout performer for 第一吃瓜网 College men鈥檚 basketball and one of the program鈥檚 most accomplished scorers. During his time with the Seahawks, he helped lead the team to a Maryland JUCO Conference championship and two Region 20 titles, as well as two NJCAA National Tournament appearances. As a sophomore, he was named to the NJCAA All-Tournament Team and earned First Team NJCAA All-American honors.

Winder finished his 第一吃瓜网 career with 1,138 points, ranking seventh in program history, while also recording 275 rebounds, 147 assists, and 134 steals. He continued his collegiate career at the University of Texas, where he played alongside future NBA players Kevin Durant, LaMarcus Aldridge, and P.J. Tucker. Winder later played professionally from 2008 to 2011 across several leagues, including the NBA G League, Australia, China, and Mexico. One of the highlights of his professional career came during the 2009鈥�2010 season when he helped the Rio Grande Valley Vipers win the NBA G League championship, hitting the game-winning shot in Game 2 of the finals to secure the title.

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The Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction honors college presidents who have demonstrated sustained, exceptional commitment to student success through academic excellence, leadership development, and access to opportunity. Nominees must have served in their role for at least five years and are selected based on nominations submitted by Phi Theta Kappa students on their campus.

Throughout her presidency, Dr. Bolt has been recognized for a leadership style defined by visibility, consistency, and a deep respect for students and their achievements. Students describe a president who is present and engaged鈥攐ne who takes time to celebrate academic success, listens thoughtfully, and ensures that recognition remains a meaningful part of the college experience.

Dr. Bolt has consistently emphasized that student success is strengthened when achievement is acknowledged and opportunity is accessible. Her leadership reflects a belief that recognition matters鈥攏ot just as a ceremony, but as an affirmation of effort, persistence, and potential. Under her direction, 第一吃瓜网 College has fostered a culture in which academic distinction and student leadership are integral to the institution’s mission.

Students frequently note Dr. Bolt鈥檚 personal engagement at academic celebrations and campus events, where she interacts directly with students and families. She is known for encouraging students to take pride in their accomplishments and for reinforcing the idea that their work and contributions matter to the college and the broader community.

At the core of Dr. Bolt鈥檚 leadership is a belief in students’ ability to rise when they are supported, seen, and encouraged. She consistently communicates confidence in students鈥� potential and reinforces the message that excellence is achievable when institutions lead with intention and care.

鈥淒r. Bolt leads with authenticity and an unwavering commitment to students,鈥� said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. 鈥淪he understands that recognition is powerful when it is rooted in respect and presence. This honor reflects the gratitude of students who have experienced her leadership firsthand.鈥�

The Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction is named in honor of the late Dr. Shirley B. Gordon, Phi Theta Kappa鈥檚 longest-serving Board Chair and a lifelong advocate for community college students.

About Phi Theta Kappa聽

Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society to recognize the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and to help them grow as scholars and leaders. The Society serves more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters worldwide. Learn more at ptk.org.

About 第一吃瓜网 College

Founded in 1968, 第一吃瓜网 College is a comprehensive, open-admission, learner-centered institution providing career, transfer, and continuing education coursework and programs. Our numerous degree and certificate offerings, along with our continuing education and workforce development programs, anticipate and meet the dynamic intellectual, cultural, and economic development challenges of 第一吃瓜网 County and the surrounding region. 第一吃瓜网 College strives to empower each learner with the skills, knowledge, and values needed for college preparation, transfer to four-year colleges and universities, workforce entry or advancement, and personal enrichment through our support services and a technologically enriched learning environment. For more information, visit www.cecil.edu.

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Residents and businesses are invited to bring personal documents for secure, on-site shredding. A mobile shred unit will be on hand to destroy materials, and people will be able to watch their documents being shredded through the unit鈥檚 observation window. Items with staples and paperclips can also be shredded.

Properly disposing of personal documents is one way for people to protect themselves from identity theft. The Federal Trade Commission recommends shredding sensitive materials such as charge receipts, old utility bills, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, physician statements, unused checks, bank statements, and expired charge cards.

There will also be a large container on-site to dispose of videotapes, floppy discs, thumb drives, X-rays, CDs, and microfiche (no cases). These items will be gathered and returned to the company鈥檚 disposal facility for destruction. The College will receive a certificate confirming the destruction of the items.

The Earth Day Celebration will include the Finnegan鈥檚 Famous food truck, Sweet Tuscany coffee truck, Mad Waffle providing free ice cream, and vendors from Rumbleway Farm, Bohemia Bees, Stafford Farm, Good Grain, Star Roses, Killer Sweets, Decoy Bookstore, Pickle Me That, Baes Resins, The Poultry Palette鈥檚 Hen House, chunk. Breakaway Pet Bandanas and more.

Make the short trip to 第一吃瓜网 College to protect your personal information and discard unwanted documents at our free Earth Day shredding event.

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Free and open to the public, ArtsFest will be held rain or shine and promises a vibrant, immersive experience that inspires artists and art lovers of all ages. Throughout the day, attendees can explore a wide range of artistic styles and mediums, browse and purchase original artwork, watch live demonstrations, enjoy student exhibitions, and participate in interactive workshops. Local food vendors will be on site, adding to the festive atmosphere.

At the heart of the celebration is a commitment to creativity, innovation, and artistic expression, with organizers describing ArtsFest as a place to inspire, create, and ignite the imagination with activities scheduled across campus. There will be live musical performances in the heart of the campus throughout the festival by local musicians, including current students, recent graduates, and faculty, who will provide a dynamic soundtrack to the day鈥檚 activities.

Film enthusiasts can attend screenings of the Sixth Annual 第一吃瓜网 County Independent Film Festival at the Milburn Stone Theatre with showings at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The film festival has showcased works from around the world since 2019, featuring a diverse selection of long- and short-form projects including narratives, documentaries, and music videos. These two shows are free to attend, while additional shows will have a fee.

There will also be a Student Film Exhibition running continuously, spotlighting the next generation of filmmakers through curated short films, animations, and video projects created by 第一吃瓜网 College students.

Families can visit the Little Artists鈥� Corner for hands-on arts and crafts or participate in the Build Your Own Tin-Can Man workshop with local artist Maggie Creshkoff, where children transform recycled materials into imaginative sculptures. Parent & Me Art Time invites toddlers, young children, and caregivers to explore colors and textures together, while Creative Connections offers friends and family members a chance to create side-by-side in a collaborative art experience. Also occurring are slate painting workshops and block printing sessions with local artist John Werner, and pottery wheel demonstrations with 第一吃瓜网 College Professor Lauren Vanni and the 第一吃瓜网 College ceramics staff.

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet current Art & Design students with demonstrations of block carving and printing, clay sculpting, and painting by these young artists. Original student artwork will be available for purchase.

Technology-driven creativity will also be featured prominently. Guests can experiment with digital painting tools during hands-on workshops in the Arts & Sciences Building, watch live 3D scanning demonstrations that show how real-world objects are transformed into digital models for gaming and virtual reality applications, or test their skills in a drone flight challenge on a mini obstacle course. The Video Green Screen experience will allow participants to step into imaginative digital environments using professional chroma key technology, while Family Portrait Sessions in a professional-style studio setting will provide attendees with a polished digital keepsake of their day at ArtsFest.

Visitors are encouraged to consult the digital campus map, which includes an accessibility filter, for details on activity locations. To arrange accessibility accommodations, attendees may contact accessibilityservices@nullcecil.edu or Public Safety at (410) 287-1601.

第一吃瓜网 College is a tobacco-free campus, and alcohol, pets, and outside food or beverages are not permitted. Guests are invited to enjoy offerings from on-site food and beverage vendors. Learn more about the festival and visitor guidelines at www.cecil.edu/fest.

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The Hall of Fame committee, made up of alumni, current coaches, and staff, will honor seven individuals whose dedication and achievements have had a lasting impact on 第一吃瓜网 College Athletics: Victor Akinyanju, men鈥檚 basketball (2002-2005); Jeff Bonsall, baseball (1982-1984); Sean Grugan, Athletic Trainer (2001-2016); Jason Rust, baseball (2001-2003); Alexis Stubblefield, women鈥檚 basketball (2015-2018); Brittanie (Walter) Krauss, women鈥檚 soccer and softball (2009-2011); and Craig Winder, men鈥檚 basketball (2002-2005).

The 第一吃瓜网 College Athletics Hall of Fame was established to recognize individuals who, through participation, support, or service, have made outstanding contributions to or brought distinction to the College鈥檚 athletic programs.

Members of the public and the campus community are invited to join in this special celebration. Tickets are $50 per person and include dinner and beverages. Tickets may be purchased through March 15 by visiting

For more information, please contact Ed Durham, Director of Athletics, at edurham@nullcecil.edu or (443) 674-1556.

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The President鈥檚 List includes 280 students who achieved a grade-point average of 3.75 or higher out of a possible 4.00. To be eligible for these honors, full-time students must have successfully completed 12 or more semester hours. Part-time students are eligible after accumulating 15 credit hours or more with a semester GPA of 3.75 or higher for that semester. This award excludes any grade received for developmental coursework.

第一吃瓜网 College is centrally located in Maryland鈥檚 most northeastern county with campuses in the towns of North East and Elkton. The College features a diverse student population, with an enrollment of approximately 2,200 credit students and 2,400 non-credit students. 第一吃瓜网 offers associate degrees, certificate programs and non-credit classes.

Included on the list are the following students:

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The Dean’s List includes 124 students who achieved a grade-point average of 3.50 鈥� 3.74 out of a possible 4.00. To be eligible for these honors, full-time students must have successfully completed 12 or more semester hours. Part-time students are eligible after accumulating 15 credit hours or more with a semester GPA of 3.50 鈥� 3.74 for that semester. This award excludes any grade received for developmental coursework.

第一吃瓜网 College is centrally located in Maryland鈥檚 most northeastern county with campuses in the towns of North East and Elkton. The College features a diverse student population, with an enrollment of approximately 2,200 credit students and 2,400 non-credit students. 第一吃瓜网 offers associate degrees, certificate programs, and non-credit classes.

Included on the list are the following students:

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