T he 15th annual Margaret Harvin Wilson Writing Awards ceremony took place March 28 at Georgia College & State University. Out of 63 submissions, five finalists were selected from different writing categories including poetry and short story.

In the first year and sophomore category, sophomore Kennedy Welker of Peachtree City placed first and third for her poems “The Last Sheep” and “December 2016,” respectively. Placing second, is sophomore Alexia Schauer of Johns Creek for her short story “The Pearls of Majorca.”

In the junior and senior group, junior Charlotte Aexel from Wind Lake, Wisconsin, won first place with her poem “Psalm for Bachman’s Warbler.” In second place is junior McKenzie Weathers-Skinner of Statham for her poem “Natures Prison.” Placing third is senior Lauren Macer of Cumming for her poem “Grow me Towards the Sun.” 

During the ceremony, finalists read excerpts of their written works, and each was awarded a certificate and cash prize. First-place winners received $1,000.

Welker’s topic of a shepherd who only had one sheep came to her in a dream.

“I wrote about this because I write a lot of stuff that deals with grief and overcoming loss,” she said. “I thought it would be cool to write a story where both subjects didn't ever have to go through these things. It was a welcome concept.”

Welker put many hours into her works. She submitted two poems and one creative, non-fiction short story.

She didn’t expect to win the award.

“The writing was fun. I enjoyed every minute of it,” Welker said. “Placing first means the world to me.” 

This recognition for her writing gives her confidence, pushing her one step closer toward accomplishing her goal.

“I’ve always aspired to become a full-time author,” Welker said. “I can see myself writing from a small cottage somewhere and sharing stories with the world.”

“Knowing how to write is important because there’s great value in words and how we use them,” she said. “It's incredible to discover what you can do with words if you're given the opportunity.”

Although Aexel submitted a few poems and a short story, she was most inspired to write her winning poem “Psalm for Bachman’s Warbler.” After scrolling through her Instagram feed, she discovered a post about all the animal species that have gone extinct this past year. 

“This made me really upset,” she said. “So, I picked one of them and decided to give it my own wake.”

Aexel also draws her inspiration from the work of other writers.

“This ceremony is so exciting,” she said. “I think it's just a huge confidence boost to keep writing. It's also fun to hear other people's work. We get to celebrate their writing, and that’s special.”

“Every time I read something new, I come away with an idea for a poem,” Aexel said. “I’m also inspired by nature and my family—I think anything can be turned into a poem.”

She feels writing is a great way to explore emotions and things that you don't get to experience yourself.

“I like to write about things I don't know anything about,” Aexel said. “That way can learn about them without being there.”

Georgia College is one of the biggest influences in her creativity. 

Being at Georgia College was really the first time I got to feel like I was in a community of writers,” she said. “I work on the College Board Journal, as well. I feel like I’m surrounded by other amazing writers. That's very inspirational.” 

Aexel plans to spend her winnings on books and hopes to travel to conferences to do research and present it. 

She encourages her peers to enter the Margaret Harvin Wilson Writing Award.

“Attending the ceremony is super fun,” Aexel said. “It's nice to have an opportunity to read your work and be celebrated. There's nothing to lose.”

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.

The writing award exemplifies Wilson’s drive for students to build their confidence and explore new worlds through creative writing.

Learn more about the Margaret Harvin Wilson Writing Award.