HCC hosts literary journal reading, awards ceremony

Contributors to the 59th edition of Hopkinsville Community College’s Roundtable Literary Journal were recognized for their literary and artistic talents at Thursday’s reading and awards ceremony.

The Round Table Literary Journal has been an HCC staple since 1967. This year’s journal received over 100 submissions and around 75 were accepted. Journal Editor and HCC English Professor Caitlin Chester says this year they received a wide variety of submissions including their first-ever drama and graphic novel.

Joseph Largé took home second place in the fiction category for his piece, “Purgatory.” In the story, Largé describes purgatory as a beautiful place made up of afflicted people, but after the main character finds love he ascends to glory.

The second half of the journal titled, “The Next Generation of Round Table Voices,” spotlights the creativity of youth in the community. Nora Milligan’s illustration of a scarecrow is featured in the journal. She thanked her parents for believing in her and helping her get the supplies to make the drawing.

Chester says carrying on the tradition of the journal is one thing that makes HCC special and calls it a great way to honor those who published past editions of the journal.

For those who may have missed out on being a part of this year’s journal, submissions for the 60th edition will open toward the end of summer.

The full list of winners include:

Adults

Poetry:
- 1st George Fillingham, “Reflections”
- 2nd Trinitie Ferrell, “Being a Woman”
- 3rd Kayla Sapp, “Why Was She Taken”

Fiction:
- 1st Michael Northrup, “Among the Stars”
- 2nd Joseph Largé, “Purgatory”

Creative Nonfiction:
- 1st Callie Ewer, A Cup of Coffee”

Artwork:
- 1st Skylar Kirby, “Rosey”
- 2nd Lilly Rux, “Kaitliana”
- 3rd Brianna Galan, “Wonderland”

Next Generation Kids

Cover Art:
- Caroline Boggess, “Rachel”

Poetry:
- 1st Ella Sims and Addy Sims (tie)

Comic/Graphic Novel
- 1st Robbie Kelvey and Alyssa Kelvey (tie)

Artwork:
- 1st Kylie Jane Vowell, “Bird Portait”
- 2nd Averi Williams, “Koi Fish”
- 3rd Eliza McLaughlin, “Up, Up, and Away”

Willa LaBrecque and Caitlin Chester

Nora Milligan and Caitlin Chester

Joseph Largé