Sunday, May 19, 2002

Washington College Awards Nation's Largest Undergraduate Prize At 220th Commencement Ceremony


Senior from Bethesda, Maryland, Wins $65,522

Chestertown, MD, May 19, 2002 — the ceremony brought another reward: a check for $65,522. Blackman's portfolio of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction writing earned her the largest undergraduate literary award in the country — the Sophie Kerr Prize.
The awarding of the Sophie Kerr Prize, given annually to the graduating senior who demonstrates the greatest "ability and promise for future fulfillment in the field of literary endeavor," has in recent decades been a highlight of the commencement ceremony at the 220-year-old liberal arts college. The Prize, worth $65,522 this year, is among the largest literary awards in the world. Washington College has awarded nearly one million dollars in prize money since it was first given in 1968, most often to writers of poetry and fiction. Scholarly and journalistic works, though less often selected, are given equal consideration. Blackman's winning submission — a collection of ten poems, five short stories, and an essay — was one of a record-setting twenty-seven portfolios submitted for this year's prize.Chestertown, MD, May 19, 2002 — the ceremony brought another reward: a check for $65,522. Blackman's portfolio of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction writing earned her the largest undergraduate literary award in the country — the Sophie Kerr Prize.
"Sarah represents the best of liberal arts ideals," said Professor Richard Gillin, chair of the English Department and of the Sophie Kerr Prize Committee that selected Blackman as this year's winner. "Her mastery of so many different genres is evidence of a wide-ranging mind."
Professor Robert Mooney, Director of the College's creative writing program and O'Neill Literary House, cited Blackman's extraordinary facility with language, artistic integrity, and maturity of vision. "Sarah fictively investigates those quiet and important human moments that define character in its destiny," Mooney said. "In the process she shapes a story that is not only worth reading, but worth going back to again and again. Sarah is an extraordinary poet as well, with a sense of condensed language that is fluid, rhythmic, and on the mark."
The daughter of Dr. Melinda Zeder and Dr. James Blackman of Bethesda, MD, Blackman graduated summa cum laude with departmental honors in English. She also received the Emil J. C. Hildenbrand Memorial Medal awarded to the student who attains the highest average in English during four years of study as well as recognition for outstanding community service. Blackman spent her spring break in Georgia working with Habitat for Humanity.
Blackman plans to move to Los Angeles in July, attracted by what she describes as its "thriving literary industry." She plans to continue her education in literature and creative writing, with hopes of teaching writing not only to undergraduates in liberal arts settings but to marginalized youth, prisoners in state penitentiaries and students in adult literacy programs.
The Sophie Kerr Prize is the namesake of an Eastern Shore woman who made her fortune in New York, writing women's fiction during the 1930s and 1940s. In accordance with the terms of her will, one-half of the annual income from her bequest to the College is awarded each year to the graduating senior demonstrating the best potential for literary achievement. The other half funds scholarships, supports student publications and the purchase of books, and brings an array of visiting writers, editors and publishers to campus to read, visit classes and discuss student work. Her gift has provided the nucleus for an abundance of literary activity on the bucolic Eastern Shore campus.

Wednesday, May 8, 2002

Junior Annette Bangert Leads WC Equestrian Team To First Nationals


Inaugural Year For Equestrian Club And Team

Chestertown, MD, May 8, 2002 — Washington College junior Annette Bangert has led the newly formed Washington College Equestrian Team to its first Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) National Championship. Representing the best in Zone 3, Bangert competed against 16 riders from around the nation and placed fourth in the Hunt Seat Equitation Division at the 2002 Championship held May 4, 2002, at Cazenovia College in Cazenovia, NY.
"The IHSA has many different levels of competition, so that every rider, regardless of skill level, can participate," said Bangert, who hails from Germany and is majoring in art at the College. "I rode in Individual Walk/Trot, which is the beginner class. It was a big class—the two best riders from each of the eight IHSA zones in the country. I was very proud to represent Washington College and such a young team against other schools that have been competing for years."
Bangert's showing received fourth in her class in the nation. Coach Sandy Griffiths, who calls her team "the Cool Running of the Eastern Shore," is confident that the club is poised to become one of the top teams in the region.
"This is a significant accomplishment," said Griffiths. "During the season, our team was up against schools that had been fielding riders for years and never sent anyone to the Nationals. For Washington College to have achieved this in its first year is really something to brag about. I am very proud of the team's performance this year."
Bangert's showing received fourth in her class in the nation. Coach Sandy Griffiths, who calls her team "the Cool Running of the Eastern Shore," is confident that the club is poised to become one of the top teams in the region."The IHSA has many different levels of competition, so that every rider, regardless of skill level, can participate," said Bangert, who hails from Germany and is majoring in art at the College. "I rode in Individual Walk/Trot, which is the beginner class. It was a big class—the two best riders from each of the eight IHSA zones in the country. I was very proud to represent Washington College and such a young team against other schools that have been competing for years."
Washington College riders in IHSA competition finished the season in sixth place for the region, beating many larger and more established programs such as the University of Pennsylvania, Gettysburg College, Arcadia University, Bryn Mawr College, Haverford College and Temple University. More than half of the team advanced to the Regional Championships and all finished in the ribbons. Qualifying for regional competition were Morgan Baker, a sophomore from Centreville, MD; Katie Lerner, a freshman from Silver Spring, MD; Lauren Marini, a senior from Mullica Hill, NJ; and Christine Solle, a junior from Maplewood, NJ. Marini garnered High Point Champion at the Delaware Valley Show and Reserve High Point Champion at Field of Dreams in Chesterfield, NJ on March 3, 2003. Baker was Reserve High Point Champion at the Briarwood Show in Reddington, NJ, on February 24, 2002.
Overall, the Washington College Equestrian Team with just eight riders tallied 188 points throughout the season, finishing behind first place powerhouse, the University of Delaware, which fielded 90 riders and finished the season with 316 points.
The Washington College Equestrian Club is open to all students, regardless of riding ability, and competes in Region 2, Zone 3 of the IHSA, which encompasses schools from Maryland, Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania, and parts of Connecticut, New Jersey and West Virginia.
Students do not need to own their own horse to be a member—several lease horses are available and students practice on horses provided by Airy Hill Stables outside of Chestertown. Mounts in IHSA competitions are drawn by lots and provided by the show hosts. Students in the club can also participate in educational field trips, monthly trail rides and riding lessons. In addition to competing in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, the Washington College Equestrian Team raises funds for the club by "foalwatching" mares at Thornmar Farm in Kent County. This special opportunity ensures that club members get hands-on experience in the thoroughbred breeding industry working with nationally regarded equine reproduction veterinarian, Dr. Thomas H. Bowman, a five-time Washington College parent.