SAGA VOL.88 Award Winners

Congratulations to the lovely award winners of SAGA's Vol. 88 and thank you to all of our wonderful judges. Please check out these pieces in student work, on digital commons, or by picking up a physical copy!

Poetry

Judge

Jennifer Litt

“Congratulations to all the poets whose work was accepted into this competition. It was my pleasure to read your work and realize if the future of poetry is in your hands, there’s nothing to worry about and plenty to celebrate. Poetry is a big tent with plenty of room for the many voices

writing it.”

First Place

Sophia Benhke, “heartburn”

Second Place

Simeon Ommen, “Poems”

Third Place

Megan Yarusso, “Phosphor Degradation”

Honorable Mention

Sophia Behnke, “pond”

Prose

Judge

L Mari Harris

“When I read others’ writing, whether it’s for a contest or for the literary journal trampset, I begin by doing a quick initial read to get a feel for what the writer is saying. Then I reread, paying attention to imagery, tone, and tension. Are all three present? Do they support and build off each other? Does the opening grab your attention in a surprising way? Is the ending

unexpected, yet inevitable? If I can answer yes to these questions, the story gets upvoted for further rereading and consideration. It was a thrill to be able to read the thirteen stories presented to me as finalists for SAGA Magazine’s prose contest. And it was incredibly difficult to narrow them down to my final four. The talent of these writers is overwhelming! The future of storytelling is in great hands after reading the high quality of these student writers. I hope you enjoy them.”

First Place

Megan Yarruso, “Lazarus”

Second Place

Phoebe Fuller, “Autopsy Report”

Third Place

Lainey Terfruchte, “Twenty-First Century Blues”

Honorable Mention

Erik Shrestha, “The Last Step Forward”

Art

Judge

Rowen Schussheim-Anderson

“It is interesting to view and evaluate the accepted art entries for this year’s SAGA journal. The range of viewpoints evidenced in these compositions is impressive, and overall there is much inventive and thoughtful work. The variety of materials and methods employed made jurying a challenge! Compositionally and conceptually, many of these works demonstrate the artists’ awareness surrounding their personal environment, as well as their environs overall. In terms of design I noted a rich use of color and a strong awareness of composition. Overall I observed

a commendable spirit of invention! I appreciated the opportunity to see this body of work.”

First Place

Victoria Campbell, “A Supermarket in Iowa”

Second Place

Paige Beggs, “Beetle Tapestry”

Third Place

Finnean O’Higgins, “Re-Escape Me From The Dream”

Honorable Mention

Victoria Campbell, “Spring of Nostalgia”