By Tamenia Jourdan/reporter
NW Campus’ Marine Creek Reflections received first place in the Southwestern Division of the Community College Humanities Association’s 2014 literary magazine competition.
The journal is a collection of student works.
Any NW student can submit work, but not everyone is chosen to be a part of the journal. Still, over 30 students contributed this year.
The journal is distinct because it’s created entirely by the students, according to Marine Creek Reflections faculty editor Terry Heflin.
“What makes us unique is that it’s all student-produced,” she said. “Students even helped edit the journal.”
It took a team to create it, but without the students, winning the award wouldn’t be possible, Heflin said.
Heflin also teaches an academic cooperative creative writing class. Students who enroll in the class usually contribute to the journal.
Besides Heflin, other faculty members played a role in creating the journal. NW graphics designer John Van Pelt contributed, and associate professor of English Ayanna Jackson-Fowler as well as English instructor LeeAnn Olivier served as proofreaders.
The award will be presented in Austin Nov. 8 at the CCHA regional conference.
The competition crowns only three winners. In the CCHA literary magazine competition, NW Campus has competed 10 times and placed six times.
“The plaque will sit up here next to the others,” she said.
The literary works in this year’s journal include poetry, ceramics, short stories, art, photography and drama. One page may consist of a self-painting, and the next page consists of a poem with a picture describing it.
This year’s cover page is a painting of an elderly woman who looks of Indian descent. The back cover depicts a photo titled “Nice Sunset” taken by Shirley Congwere.
To view the journal or for more information, go to http://marinecreekreflections.weebly.com.