A Note from the Editors
By Hannah Marcum ‘18 & K.E. Daft ‘19
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the 37th edition of The Writing Anthology.
It is our delight to share this year’s publication with you. After reviewing submissions representing a wide variety of disciplines, we selected the following eleven pieces to be featured in the anthology. The rigor of this selection process proves the continuing excellence of student writing at Central College. We offer our sincerest congratulations to the published student authors: you should be proud of your exemplary work.
While the goals of specific disciplines are easy to spot in this diverse blend of essays, we hope you will also take notice of the recurring themes that connect them. Gretchen, in the first essay of this anthology, looks at the “future of the past” and considers a great tragedy in light of the creation it has engendered. The title of the final essay, “Rebirth,” encapsulates our overarching message. The rest of the authors take on the monumental task of creating a new way of looking at a subject, be it a landscape, a piece of art, or our own humanity. Creation and innovation are presented in the pieces you are about to read as valid, significant responses to destruction and decay. This anthology encompasses the cycle of life.
Each year, The John Allen Award is granted to the individual exhibiting the highest quality of student writing. We are pleased to announce that Sydney Embray will receive the honor this year. Sydney’s masterly essay “And Here Our Troubles Began: An American Reaction to 9/11 in Comix” is a perceptive analysis of Art Spiegelman’s graphic novel In the Shadow of No Towers. She weaves together critical race theory, political commentary, and nuanced artistic investigation to form an incisive portrait of Spiegelman’s unique response to the personal and national tragedy of September 11, 2001.
We offer our thanks to the tireless professors who inspired and shaped these essays for going the extra mile by submitting them to The Writing Anthology. Your dedication to your students’ success is commendable. Thanks also to Professor Mat Kelly for his discerning eye and to all of the featured student artists for their outstanding contributions. We would particularly like to recognize Kayla Foster for providing this year’s cover art. Finally, our thanks to Steffanie Bonnstetter in Central College Communications for her expertise.
Most importantly, we acknowledge our faculty advisors, Dr. Joshua Doležal and Dr. Elena Vishnevskaya, who have been insightful guides throughout the publication process. Dr. Doležal inherited his role as lead advisor for this edition from Dr. Walter Cannon, who founded The Writing Anthology in 1981 and remained involved with the publication until his retirement last year. One final thank you to all—past, present, and future—who have made this anthology possible.
Without further ado, we present the 2017 Writing Anthology.
Hannah Marcum ‘18
K.E. Daft ‘19