More than 60 students gathered in the Corporate Education Center to hear 11 authors of the City Works literary journal, read on May 15.

The readings celebrated another successful year of producing a student-driven, peer-evaluated publication composed of poetry, fiction, prose and artwork. The works included pieces by local, national and international writers and artists.

All of the winners are chosen on a school and national level as well and given a cash prize. This year’s national winner Alice Lowe was the first to read and performed an excerpt from her non-fiction essay along with a couple of other stories.

“I usually won’t go back to a publication, but I decided to come back to support the journal. I didn’t really expect to win; I was completely surprised. All of readings were great and I’m just thrilled,” Lowe said with a wide smile.

For some of the winners, the recognition was more than enough. “I feel very honored to win this award because I don’t consider myself a writer. I normally consider myself an essay writer. I’m good at writing research papers. This just encourages me write more creative pieces,” said Shayna Brodnick, first place City Works winner for poetry of $100.

Attendees were able to listen to a hand-picked music playlist while munching on snacks and sipping refreshments all provided by Assistant Professor of English Trissy McGhee, and her creative writing students.

“It was a wonderful event; we saw a lot of talented writers,” McGhee said. She talked about how the students were at the core of the literary journal and reading.

“We like to keep it a student-centered event. The students drove the music here, decorations, etcetera. We had flowers from the campus farm. I want to encourage people to take creative writing; we have a great creative writing staff,” McGhee said.