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PSC Students Win at Skyway Writing Competition


Aeriel Robinson

Aeriel Robinson. (PHOTO SUPPLIED)

Chicago Heights, IL–(ENEWSPF)– When Prairie State College student Aeriel Robinson was a sophomore in high school, she wanted to discover more about her heritage and had many questions. Recently, she put those feelings down on paper and wrote a play. Robinson won first place for her play, “Is This My Heritage?”, at the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference Writer’s Festival held at Morton College on December 3.

“I struggled with many issues, especially what it means to be Black,” said Robinson. “I elaborated on my feelings through my main character. She discovers and finds peace with herself.”

Robinson also won a second place for her short story, “Prince of Denton”, a prelude to Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” This is the first time in PSC history that a single student placed in two categories.

“Aeriel is such a talented writer. She is the first student at Prairie State to win Skyway awards in two categories (Drama and Fiction),” said Patrick Reichard, associate professor, English. “In addition, she is a great academic writer and is one of our most promising English majors.”

In addition to the awards received by Robinson, PSC student Eric Vonza, of Park Forest, also received an honorable mention for his creative non-fiction piece, “The Shooting.”

More than 80 students were judged by professionals in the areas of poetry, creative non-fiction, short fiction, and drama at Skyway’s Annual Competition. Carlos Cumpian, editor of March Abrazo Press and noted Latino poet, served the keynote speaker. Authors Maggie Kast and Alexis Pride were the judges in creative non-fiction and short fiction, respectively, while Chicago playwright James Sherman was the judge for drama. 


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