Clarksville, Ark. --- Dr. Brian Hardman has announced the winners in the seventh annual University of the Ozarks Earth Day essay contest.
This year’s contest focused on environmental issues in our own backyard by asking the essayists to consider the following question:
The Natural State of the Forest.
Other winning essays were:
- Second Place ($300) - Michelle Pelley, The Natural State…For Now
- Third Place ($200) - Naima Lopez, The Fountain of Life: Water Pollution in the Natural State
- Fourth Place ($100) - Melody Cochran, Nuclear Energy: Grim or Green?
"The quality of the essays was very high again, and the best essays were the most passionate and well-argued that we’ve ever had," said contest organizer Dr. Brian Hardman, associate professor of English. "It seems that the writers really connected with their subject matter, which is heartening to see, since the topic asked them to write about issues in their own backyards and in Arkansas." According to Hardman, there were 17 essays submitted in this year’s contest. "It was especially refreshing to know that so many of our students care deeply about what happens in our communities and to our wonderful ‘natural state’!" he said. "I think that’s what came through first and foremost in this year’s essay contest."
The primary judges for this year’s competition were Debbie Eldridge, Patrick Morgan, and Dr. Fiona Murphy.
Special thanks go to Dr. Wayne and Betty Workman for once again generously funding the contest.
Topics: Student Events