261 ORGANIZATIONS The Jo Cleveland Writing Contest publishes student writing. Since 1966, the English Language and Literature department provided an opportunity for writers and creatives to submit their works to the Jo Cleveland Writing Contest. Cleveland, its namesake, was a Harding professor known for her passion for teaching writing and literature. Cleveland retired in 1982, but her legacy endured through the contest. Fifty four years later, the contest attracted a wide spectrum of writers and creatives. If it was a short story, poem or screenplay, it was eligible for submission. Professor and Chair of the English Department Terry Engel said that in addition to English majors, students from other departments were encouraged to participate. “The contest is open to any enrolled Harding undergraduate, regardless of major,” Engel said. “Over the years, students from a variety of majors have won the contest.” Cash prizes and publication in the English department’s literary journal “Shapes and Names” were among the rewards for the winning writers, as well as recognition of their work by professors and peers. For this reason, professors who taught those classes did not judge the submissions. Judges came from across the Harding community. Senior Marisa Pesina was a winner of the contest and a co-editor of the 2021 issue of “Shapes and Names.” Pesina said the contest allowed students to have a safe space to submit their creative work. “I think it does a great job of recognizing and celebrating the talent of the students in a way that goes beyond the walls of the classroom,” Pesina said. Winners had their works published in the annual journal, which was run by Assistant Professor of English Russell Keck and student editors. Senior Olivia Burnett participated in the contest and was chosen as co-editor for the journal in 2020. “I know how much it means to a writer to see their work in print, so it’s an honor to be involved in that process and to get to help people tell their stories,” Burnett said. Burnett’s position with the journal was her first editorial experience, and it proved to be a memorable experience. “We really wanted the journal to be something our contributors would be proud of,” Burnett said. “Dr. Keck was also really great to work with, and he made the whole process more enjoyable.” Under Keck’s supervision, the student editorial team gained practical experience in publishing and editing before entering the professional field. “I am excited to have a hands-on experience where I can exercise all that I have learned in my time as an English major and to be given a space to place those skills alongside my creative ideas,” Pesina said. Engel said that as a creative writing professor, the contest was rewarding. “The winners typically have put long hours into drafting, revision and workshopping, and publication is a reward for that hard work,” Engel said. “Having read many undergraduate literary publications over the years, I believe that the work being published by the Harding University English Department ranks well among undergraduates across the country.” story by Annesly Young Penning P erfectio N
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