Rome, Ga. – Shorter University’s Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta has selected three winners of its fourth annual Undergraduate Non-Fiction Writing Contest.

Irvin Kershner, a dual-enrollment student from Silver Creek, Georgia, who is planning on pursuing an engineering degree, won first place for his composition “Sports: Entertainment or Religion.” This piece described the reasons behind the massive popularity of sports. He discussed how, when viewed through a historical and psychological lens, sports can become a substitute for religion, community identity, and the competition of war.

Alana Wingate, a freshman history education major from Fayetteville, Georgia, won second place for her composition “An Alternative Literacy,” where she described her understanding of literature and how helping teach her special needs brother to read has influenced her personal definition of literature.

Callie Craig, a freshman early childhood education major from Calhoun, Georgia, won third place for her composition “Bicyclists vs. Farmers,” where she discussed a bicycle route that planned to go through her family’s farm.

The contest was judged by a distinguished committee including Assistant Professors of English Dr. Mark Hamilton and Dr. Marcia Bost. The judges were looking for critical thinking in the writing that provoked thought and explained why the students were writing about their topics in the pieces entered. Through the Sigma Tau Delta’s Undergraduate Non-Fiction Writing Contest, excellent student works are displayed and celebrated among the campus.

News Release by Public Relations Intern Rachael Minard

Founded in 1873, Shorter University is a Christ-centered, four-year liberal arts university committed to excellence in education. U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review annually include Shorter on their lists of best Southeastern Colleges. The university offers traditional bachelor’s degrees in 40 areas of study, online courses and degree programs, undergraduate programs for working adults, associate’s, and master’s programs.