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Creative writing program honors student authors

Published on May 14, 2026

NORTH EAST, Md: The ��һ�Թ��� College Creative Writing Program hosted its annual award ceremony and public reading Monday evening in the lobby of the Milburn Stone Theatre, recognizing outstanding student writers and showcasing original literary works from current ��һ�Թ��� College students.

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.

“We will hear from five students,” said organizer Nathanael Tagg, Professor of English at ��һ�Թ��� College. “They have all been gracious enough to agree to read, and I know that takes a little courage. It’s one thing to present your work in classes and another to read in a public setting.”

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 “The Night That Holds Us.”
• Severin Abbeyfor her poem “I’d Freeze Too.”
• Mary Fowlerfor her short story “V�������ܰ���.”

Honorable mention awards were presented to:

• Joshua Sinclairfor his poem “Growing Flowers.”
• Ethen Lammeyfor his short story ����������ٳ�.”