Students Win "Mosaic" Awards

From left are Dr. Lisa Eccles, professor of biology and PTK advisor; (seated) Karaya Ortiz, Alex Wu; (standing) Whitney Gilliam, Ava Kelly; and Hannah Brooks, instructor of English and editor of “The Mosaic.”

Writers Honored by PTK Anthology

Five Walters State students have been recognized by the Tennessee region of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for community college students. The awards stem from student writings published in “The Mosaic,” the statewide literary anthology sponsored by PTK.

In poetry, Ava Kelly, a general studies major from Newport, received first place for her poem, “Empty Beds.” Alex Wu, a general studies major from Sevierville, received second place for his work, “An Invitation to Henrik Ibsen.”

Whitney Gilliam, a computer science major from Whitesburg, received first place in research for her work, “Leveling the Playing Field in Esports.” Karaya Ortiz, a geography major from Chuckey, received second place in creative nonfiction for her work, “The Protest at Machu Picchu.” Shaylee Tomes, a general studies major from Seymour, received third place in short fiction for “Borrowed Time.” 

Hannah Brooks, instructor of English at the college, served as editor for this year’s “The Mosaic.” Dr. Lisa Eccles, professor of biology, is the advisor for the college’s PTK chapter.