By By Georgia E. Frye / staff writer
April 18, 2003
In celebration of National Poetry Month, Meridian Community college awarded prizes Wednesday in an annual literary contest.
Emory Jones, Mississippi's Poet of the Year for 2002, was on hand to read excerpts from a collection of his poems called "Facets."
Awards were distributed for poetry, short stories and essays. It was also announced that The Literary Review, MCC's literary magazine, won first place in the state in the college publication category.
Poetry, short story and essay winners were chosen from two divisions high school and MCC/Community.
Awards were distributed by Michael Starnes and Laura Carmichael, editors of The Literary Review. Katherine Horne judged the high school division and Janet Adams judged the MCC and community division.
High School Division
Poetry: Mary Kathryn Covert, first place; Samantha Brooks, second place; Matthew Beau Nicholson, third place; Katie Snowden and Erin Reynolds, honorable mentions. All are Meridian High School students.
Short story: Elaine Allen, Northeast Lauderdale High School, first place; Alexander Scott Cofield, Meridian High School, second place; Richard Noble, Meridian High School, third place.
Essay: Robby Followell, Meridian High School, first place; Elaine Allen of Northeast Lauderdale High School, second place.
MCC/Community Division
Poetry: Lauren Hughes, first place; Pauline Simmons Busbee, second place; Amanda Carroll, third place; John Irby, honorable mention.
Short story: Linda Farmer, first place; John Bouder, second place; Laura Carmichael, third place; Cynthia Gibbons, honorable mention.
Essay: Joseph Johnson, first place; Lauren Hughes, second place; Donna Key, third place; Flora Conner-Sumrall, honorable mention.