Kirtland Community College Students Shine with Top Creative Writing and Photography Honors at Michigan LAND Conference

Kirtland Community College celebrates two college students, Kingsley Backstrom and Mandy Lee Andrews, who obtained statewide honors on the latest Michigan Liberal Arts Network for Development (LAND) Conference. Among college students from different Michigan Community Colleges, Backstrom positioned secondin Creative Writing, whereas Andrews earned Honorable Mention in Photography.

The Michigan LAND Conference, an annual gathering that acknowledges excellence in liberal arts, attracts submissions from establishments all through the state. Submissions are judged by educators who consider entries in 4 totally different classes: Creative Writing, Film, Fine Arts, and Student Scholars. To be honored at this degree displays each particular person expertise and a robust academic basis.

Backstrom distinguished herself within the Creative Writing class, putting second general within the state together with her poetry submission. Competing towards entries from bigger establishments, Backstrom’s achievement underscores the caliber of scholars rising from Kirtland.

“I genuinely feel so shocked about my piece being recognized at such a high level. I entered my piece just for fun and came out of it with a very exciting achievement,” mentioned Backstrom. “I give plenty of credit score to Kirtland as an establishment and my instructors, as they each introduced out a extra inventive aspect of me. My teacher, Cole Brayfield, was at all times there to reply any questions I had and pushed me to do my work to the best possible of my potential. Kirtland as an entire has an setting that makes you are feeling supported it doesn’t matter what, so it felt good figuring out I may go to anybody inside the faculty and they might be there for me. “

In addition to the Creative Writing honor, Andrews obtained Honorable Mention within the Fine Arts competitors for a robust photograph she captured. Like Backstrom, Andrews additionally competed towards a pool of her friends, some coming from a lot bigger establishments.

“I was very shocked to learn I received an honorable mention, as this was my first time entering a competition of this level. I was extremely privileged to represent Kirtland Community College’s art program at this exhibit because they fostered and guided my creative and exploratory mind,” mentioned Andrews. “Kirtland Community College has a great art community. The instructor, Scott Rice, goes above and beyond to assist his students, helping them find their full potential in their art goals. When I first attended class, all I knew was how to click a button on my camera to take a picture. Now, I better understand how to capture a beautiful photo, and through the use of various editing software, I have the ability to bring my pictures to life. My instructor and classmates have helped me by giving me advice and guiding me to be the best artist/photographer I can be.”

Recognition in Creative Writing and Photography reveals the various skills at Kirtland and the standard of its English and visible arts packages. Hands-on instruction, fashionable tools, and school assist equip college students to compete statewide.

Kirtland Vice President of Academic Affairs John Thiel praised the scholars, noting that success at statewide conferences affirms the establishment’s mission and priorities.

“I’m so proud of these students for being celebrated for their talents among a huge pool of contestants from across the state,” mentioned Thiel. “Most winners usually come from colleges with much larger enrollment that have more faculty members. It says a lot about the caliber of Kirtland’s students and our outstanding faculty that two of our students earned top honors in such competitive contests.”

Participation within the Michigan LAND Conference provides Kirtland college students invaluable publicity. The occasion supplies networking and suggestions from seasoned judges and educators who purpose to encourage and develop college students’ skills. Many use it to benchmark work towards friends statewide and achieve insights for educational {and professional} progress.

For Backstrom and Andrews, these honors mark main milestones of their schooling. Both college students embody the creativity and excellence that outline Kirtland.

“The LAND Conference wasn’t something I was able to attend due to preexisting circumstances; it is something that I believe connects talented writers with peers just like them,” mentioned Backstrom.

“To me, the LAND Conference means I had the ability to share my photography with a bigger audience, allowing them to see the world I captured through my camera lens,” mentioned Andrews.

As Kirtland celebrates these achievements, the broader affect extends past particular person accolades. Success on the state degree reinforces Kirtland’s position as a frontrunner in accessible, high-quality schooling. Despite its dimension, the faculty continues to supply alternatives that rival these of bigger establishments, making certain that college students obtain personalised consideration, professional instruction, and significant studying. These recognitions function a robust testomony to Kirtland’s unwavering dedication to offering excellent academic packages through which college students can excel. By investing in modern curriculum, devoted college, and supportive studying environments, the establishment empowers college students to develop their skills and obtain distinction past the classroom.