I am very proud to announce the 2016 Words Contest winners. Please take time to congratulate these talented writers and artists—the writing was juried blindly by a panel of 8 judges across professions and the artists’ work was juried by professionals/artists as well.

Mark your calendars for the Words Celebration on the evening of Wednesday, April 13th in Steigerwald Hall, 7:00-8:15 p.m. The magazine will launch then—we have an impressive edition to share with you and the public! Your attendance at the Words Celebration event helps to generate creative inspiration! Hope to see you there.

Sandra L. Cuni Award

“Red Shirts” by Maria Hehman

Appalachia Award for Poetry

“The Draw of Paws” by Jared Justice

Appalachia Award for Prose

“You Know Tom” by Dan Schoettelkotte

RUCA Award

“As Above” by Andrew Jensen

Honorable Mentions

“Hot Wings Like Icarus” by Andrew Jensen “Blue Hydrangea” by Zach Rieder

Kate Bilbo Aspiring Writer Award

“ART-ificial Sacrifice” by Abby Mattingly
“Shakers” by Michea Supinger

The Art Department Choice Award (TBA)

“My Mind Consumes Me” by Karen Cress

Cover Art Selection

Reaching Out by Alison Shoemaker

Cover Design

Sarah Brandt