Students' writing and analytical skills, contributions to college-related publications, and general academic excellence in class were recognized Thursday (Feb. 10) by the English Department at Tusculum College. "English courses are challenging, and we know that we demand a lot of you," said Katie Doman, assistant professor of English and acting department chair, in welcoming the students to the department's annual awards program. "You rise to the occasion, and we are proud of you." The English major has grown in popularity with students at Tusculum, which can be attributed to the camaraderie between the professors and students, said Tusculum President Dr. Dolphus E. Henry. "Imagine Tusculum College with an enrollment of 3,000 students rather than 1,000 and what a difference that would make," he said. "That is what has happened in the English major which has gone from nine majors a few years ago to 56 majors today."

Students enjoy refreshments during the annual award program of the Tusculum College English Department.

Dr. Henry presented the English Department/Humanities scholarships to Kim Mullins of Clintwood, Va., an English major who is serving as president of the new English Student Or ganization, and Travis Walden of LaFollette, a mass media major. Winners of these scholarships are selected based on their contributions to the college at large and to their divi sion.

Winners of the annual Curtis Owens Literary Prize creative writing competition were announced by Dr. Jonathan Franz, Tusculum provost and academic vice president.

Anup Kaphle, an English major from Kathmandu, Nepal, won first place in both the poetry and short story categories. Kaphle was presented the award for two poems, "Stuck in Ame rica" and "On Tuesdays," and his short story, "Down the Streets of Kathmandu."

Earning honorable mention for her poem, "Autumn," was Ashley Douglas, an English writing major from Clinton. Both students earned monetary prizes.

The English professors presented "Awards of Excellence" to students for their quality of work and effort in class or for their contributions on the student newspaper,The Pioneer Frontier, and the new literary magazine, the Tusculum Review.

Receiving awards for their contributions in class, as a tutor, or as a student worker in the department were Yvonne Daniel of Chattanooga, Jacki Ewing of Rogersville, Amanda Kyker of Johnson City, Laura Lipe of Rogersville, Amber Manis of Bean Station, Julie Maples of Knoxville, Julie Matthews of Morristown, Luana Periera of Brazil, Melissa Purvis of Rogersville, and Tamara Wynn of Hendersonville, N.C.

Recognized for their contributions to the Pioneer Frontier, the student-produced newspaper on campus were Clayton Adams of Blairsville, Ga.; Yvonne Daniel; Ashley Douglas; Amber Ferchaud of Gonzales, La.; Ben Glassco of Birmingham, Ala.; Cody Greene of Cleveland, Ga.; Joy Harris of Waynesboro, Va.; Ericka Harville of Morristown; Kendall Hawley of Orlando, Fla.; Anup Kahle; Erica Kuehnle-Lane of Cincinnati; Danny Light of Deltona, Fla.; Monica Marshall of Greeneville; Andrew Merchant of Wayne, N.J.; Gabby Mora of Venezuela; and Joe Watson of Marietta, Ga.

The new literary magazine, the Tusculum Review, with contributions from nationally known as well as unknown writers, has just gone to press. The 208-page publication would not have been possible without the coordinated effort and hard work of several students and staff members, said Mary Boyes, assistant professor of English and editor of the magazine.

Recognized for their contributions in judging and editing submissions were John Cage of Murfreesboro, Chris-Ann Campbell of Jamaica, Yvonne Daniel, Anup Kaphle, and Antoinette Matheson, Melinda Robinson, and Melissa Smith, all of Jamaica. Editors presented awards were Landree Brotherton of Morristown; Becca Friddle of Honea Path, S.C.; Nathan Jones of Chuckey; Samn Kidd of Manassas, Va.; Kirsten Manick of Punta Gorda, Fla.; and Wanda Rahm of Greeneville.

Kim Mullins shared information about English Student Organization activities, which include hosting a paper conference on campus this spring and organizing a fall festival later in the year.

The organization, which began last fall, has also gained permission for the establishment on campus of a chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, an English honor society. Initiation of the first members is scheduled to take place in the spring, Mullins said, and 27 students meet eligibility requirements of the honor society.

This is the third year that the English Department faculty have hosted an awards program for students in the department. Viki Rouse, assistant professor of English, and student Jacki Ewing were recognized for organizing and coordinating the program.

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