Grambling State University’s Department of English held its 3rd Annual Awards Ceremony program. Students were awarded and recognized and for their academic excellence and creativity.The program began with a song from student Michael Jackson, greetings by administrative assistant Karla Williams and an invocation from Dr. David Hodges, a member of the English faculty.
Awards were presented by English faculty member, Melanie C. Thomas, Dr. James Clawson and Dr. Ruby Lewis.
Lewis thanked the honorees for doing superior work.
“We appreciate you and your hard work. I hope these awards inspire you to do better,” she said.
Janice Williams, Sharlene Cassius and Landis Anderson received outstanding academic achievement awards.
Recipients of the excellent academic achievement award were Oneatha Agee, Anshare Antoine, Trakecia Armstrong, Jared Banks and Gaquez Jackson.
Adrian Burch, Robyn Cole, Ayanna Ivory-Lindsay, Darrin McMiller and Kourtney Thurmond received academic excellent awards.
Williams said her grades are a reflection of the help from faculty and staff. She thanked Karla Williams and Dr. Evelyn Wynn, who teaches in the department and serves as Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Antoine showed up to support the department and was surprised when she was honored.
She said it was a really good program. “It is good to encourage students to do well. It has been proven that when people are rewarded, it push them to do better,” said the freshman from Castries, St. Lucia.
Dr. Hugh Wilson, chair of the department’s annual poetry contest, announced the winners and presented them with awards. The winners were first-place, Sean Jn. Francois and Darrin McMiller, who captured second- and third-place honors.
Jn. Francois’ winning poem is entitled “House of Misery.”
The freshman computer science major from Castries, St. Lucia, said he wrote his poem when he was having problems at home. The point he was trying to make is misery loves company. He began composing poetry at age 15.
McMiller said, “It feels good to be recognized. I use my poetry to try to reach out to others.”
He has been writing poetry since he was a junior in high school. This is his second time winning in the department’s contest.
Marcy Hanes, director of the department’s writing enhancement lab, recognized Cassius for tutoring and assisting her in the lab.
English majors were recognized by Dr. Beatrice McKinsey, and Dr. Uju Ifeanyi recognized English faculty and staff.
Also, Karla Williams was recognized for her pleasant attitude, hard work and dedication to the department, faculty and students.
Additional entertainment for this event was provided by GSU students Jennifer Mergini and Kia Renee. Renee was accompanied by guitarist Brandon Scott.
Congratulatory remarks were given by Wynn. She said, “It is important that you are recognized for what you do. See us as your cheerleaders. We are cheering you on as you run that race to the finish line. We are in this effort together.”
Wynn asked students to recruit other majors. “You are out in the trenches. You see students in places such as the classrooms, dormitories and cafeteria,” she said.
Members of the awards ceremony committee included Lewis (chair), Clawson, Thomas (co-chairs), Wilson and student volunteer Joshua Ethridge.
Lewis said, “The students have worked so hard, and we love them.