Bay College student Ayla Polfus earned statewide recognition by taking first place in the 2024 Liberal Arts Network for Development (LAND) creative writing contest for her fictional piece, “I See.” Her entry had previously placed first in the fiction category of Bay College’s local writing contest.
Five other student submissions were forwarded to the LAND competition as well.
Another Bay College student, Meneo Aird, also received statewide honors, earning second place in the creative nonfiction category for “The Unimaginable Kindness of an Improbable Soldier.” Aird’s piece earned first place in Bay College’s creative nonfiction category.
Judges noted that the winning work of fiction by Polfus “took something pretty regular—covering old windows in the winter to keep out the cold—and turned it into a strange story about sight and memory. The main character never wanted to keep out the cold or what they could see outside, blurry as it may be. The cold was comfort… Very well written story, told in a way that made me want there to be more, especially with the fascinating and creepy ending.”
Aird’s second-place piece drew acclaim for its storytelling and emotional depth. The judges explained that “this vivid account of adventure and friendship reflects the deep imprint some people leave on us, even in a short time. It captured my attention from the first sentence. Yoko’s larger-than-life presence and personality leap off the page.”
Other winners in Bay College’s local writing contest include:
- 2nd Place Fiction: “To Love an Artisan,” by Cheyenne LaMarch
- 2nd Place Creative Nonfiction: “Changing Seasons of Life,” by Ashley Miller
- 1st Place Poetry: “Food for Thought,” by Paige Spencer
- 2nd Place Poetry: “Seasons Change and so Did I,” by Paige Spencer
Bay College hosts its annual writing contest each November, providing students with an opportunity to showcase their creativity and talent. Winning entries are submitted to the LAND statewide competition, where Bay College students have a strong history of success. The LAND organization will host a conference in February, during which contest winners will be recognized.
Photo Caption: LAND Writing Contest Winners: Ayla Polfus and Meneo Aird
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