T he 13th annual Margaret Harvin Wilson Writing Awards ceremony took place March 30. Out of 51 submissions, three finalists were selected from different writing categories including poetry and short story. 

The first-year finalist is English and history major Charlotte Aexel of Wind Lake, Wisconsin, who won first place for her poem “Man in the Fog” and second place for her short story “Delanna’s Day.”

Sophomore biology major Aner Gendellman from Alpharetta, Georgia, placed third with her poem “A Jewish Woman’s Plead to Christ.”

Out of the Junior and Senior division, junior English and creative writing finalist Olivia McClure of Decatur, Georgia, placed first with her poem “Running Yellow,” second with her poem “A Hope for Warmth” and third with her poem “Passing the Time.”

During the ceremony, finalists read excerpts of their works and were awarded certificates and cash prizes. First-place winners received $1,000. 

“Winning this award is an honor,” Aexel said. “I wasn't sure if I was going to enter, but decided to because I'm at a point in my life where—for the first time—I’m really proud of the work I'm producing. I’ve been writing poetry my whole life. Now I'm ready to write prose and share it with others.”

One day, she aspires to teach either college or high school English. 

“I can't imagine my life without writing,” Aexel said. And I can't imagine anyone’s future career without writing. I think even if I teach literature—being able to write and understand the value of expression is  really important.”

The main reason she chose Georgia College was because of Flannery O'Connor, ’45.

“I really admire her,” Aexel said. “I think it has given me new insight to be at the place where she lived when she wrote.”

McClure feels winning the Margaret Harvin Wilson Writing Award validates her writing skills.

“I’ve always been passionate about writing,” she said. “I can't imagine myself doing anything else. It's just really nice to have someone tell you that you're on the right track, your work is being noticed and everything you put into it is worth it.”

After McClure graduates, she plans to pursue a Master of Fine Arts then a doctorate so she can teach at a university.

“I've been inspired by my professors who’ve helped me craft my poetry along the way,” she said. “I hope to be like one of my Georgia College poetry professors.”

McClure thinks students should pursue the Margaret Harvin Wilson Writing Award because people care what you write. 

“I entered this competition not expecting to win first, second or third place, but you never know who wants to hear your work,” she said. “Regardless of the outcome, students should submit their creative written works. It's just good practice.”

The award was established in memory of Margaret Harvin Wilson, ’34. She was the first in her family to attend college, since her father provided her with a small trust. Wilson finished Georgia College in three years. While majoring in English and minoring in French, Wilson waited tables in the dining hall, so she could have discounted tuition while living in a free dormitory. As a senior, a teacher encouraged her to enter a short story contest. Winning first prize in 1933 for “Sympathy Speaks” gave her confidence to pursue a teaching career.

She married Leland Wilson in 1938. Their three daughters pursued careers in medicine, law and higher education.

This writing award exemplifies Wilson’s drive for students to explore new worlds through creative writing.