NORTH EAST, MD — Cecil College recognized student writers this week during its annual Creative Writing Program awards ceremony and public reading, highlighting original poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction from current students.
The event, held in the lobby of the Milburn Stone Theatre, featured public readings from award recipients selected by faculty judges in the college’s annual creative writing contest.
Professor of English Nathanael Tagg, who organized the event, said five students agreed to present their work publicly during the ceremony.
“It’s one thing to present your work in classes and another to read in a public setting,” Tagg noted.
The 2026 award winners included Tina Shockey for “The Night That Holds Us,” Severin Abbey for the poem “I’d Freeze Too,” and Mary Fowler for the short story “Vilaura.”
Honorable mentions were awarded to Joshua Sinclair for the poem “Growing Flowers” and Ethen Lammey for the short story “Rebirth.”
Following the student readings, faculty members presented selections of their own creative work. The event also included certificate presentations and a reception for attendees.
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