The winners of the 24th Annual Writing Contest at the Manassas campus of Northern Virginia Community College were honored at a ceremony that featured poet Laura Scott (far right). The winners are (from left) Susan McNeil, Gabrielle McCormack, Morgan Skaggs, Bryan Bell, Tanya Kettler Burke and Shane Music. Photo courtesy of Carlene Mackereth.

Laura Scott, author of the book “Death Wishing,” headlined the 4th Annual Writing Contest at the Manassas campus of Northern Virginia Community College.

Scott read from her book and encouraged the audience to “never pass up an opportunity to show off” because one never knows where it might lead.

English instructor Lorraine Goldberg introduced the winners and presented them with certificates and cash prizes. First place winners received $75 and the second place winner received $50.

Bryan Bell of Manassas was a double winner with first place in poetry for “Coyote under an Azure Sky” and honorable mention in nonfiction for “An Appalachian Frat Boy Goes Home.”

Shane Music of Haymarket was the first place winner in nonfiction for “-XX.”

Susan McNeil of Gainesville earned first place for her academic essay called “Off the Hook.”

Tanya Kettler Burke of Manassas received first place for a one-act play titled “Girls Night Out.”

In the short fiction category, first place went to Gabrielle McCormack of Centreville for “Show Me Your Smile Please” and Morgan Skaggs of Oakton took second place for “Sang Noir.”

This year’s awards were sponsored by the Society for Fine Arts.

By: NOVA Fortnightly Staff

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