Frederick Douglass Institute for Academic Excellence recognizes 2021-22 contest winners 

The Frederick Douglass Institute for Academic Excellence at Bloomsburg recognizes students for their work through its second annual Creative Expressions Competition. The theme was “Excellence Through Social Justice: Realities and Possibilities.” 

The contest is intended to amplify the voices and perspectives of students across all disciplines making connections between social justice and culture, economics, education, history, and science. It encourages thoughtful reflection and critical thinking through creative expression in various mediums to share experiences, highlight democratic ideals, and move audiences to action. Students can enter any of six categories: art, essay, music, poetry/short story, short film, or professional coursework and class project. 

The 2021-2022 student awardees are:

In the Professional Coursework/Class Project category, Kayleigh Vo, Allison Klotz, Alexandria West, Isabel Casey, Kevin Cunningham, Kiley Degaray, and Zachary Gaile.  

In the Poetry/Short Story category, Jack Heroux-Skirbst with the poem “Worn Skin,” Abigail Frey with the poem “Ode to Single Mothers,” and Malik Thompson with the short story “Where Is the Line, Am I Here?” 

In the Essay category, Gwendolyn Powell, Jack Heroux-Skirbst, and Catherine Rose.  

In the Art category, Madison Zechman, Brittany Stephenson, and Paige Treibley. 

Pictured, from left are: Carolyn Reid-Brown, director of the Frederick Douglass Institute for Academic Excellence (FDIAE); Maddy Rodriguez, FDIAE board member; student winners Catherine Rose, Malik Thompson, Jack Heroux-Skirbst, Abigail Frey, Brittany Stephenson, Kayleigh Vo, and Madison Zechman; FDIAE board members Serenity Rodriguez and Abby Hare-Harris.