Black Hawk College Storytellers Contest Spotlights talented writers among students and staff

Talented writers from Black Hawk College have been recognized for their creative achievements in the recent BHC Storytellers’ Contest. The event, open to students and staff across campuses, spotlighted a range of genres, from comedy to horror. Ruthann Leesman earned honors in both Comedy/Satire and Science Fiction with “Greedy Goody Goblin” and “Automaton.” Ava Hoskins stood out with awards in fantasy, horror, memoir, and thriller. Other notable winners include Jaina Gliva, Atticus Garrison, Mia Merkel, and Natalie Rotramel. The contest was organized by the Writers Guild and the Creative Writing Club, encouraging the BHC community to share their unique voices.

Winners of the Black Hawk College Storytellers’ Contest

Comedy/Satire

“Greedy Goody Goblin” by Ruthann Leesman of Port Byron, Quad-Cities Campus student

Faculty/Staff

“Your Favorite Pair of Jeans” by Jaina Gliva, access services coordinator
“The Birthday Stream” by Atticus Garrison, reference and instruction librarian

Fantasy

“The Lonely Dragon” by Eric Zavala of Moline, Quad-Cities Campus student
“The World that Waited” by Ava Hoskins of Rock Island, Quad-Cities Campus student

Horror

“It Gets Home Before Me” by Ava Hoskins
“The Home Stretch” by Natalie Rotramel of Moline, Quad-Cities Campus student

Memoir/Personal Essay

“After Isn’t Over” by Ava Hoskins
“I know, you knew” by Mia Merkel of Galva, East Campus student

Poetry/Song

Untitled by Carsen Dekeyrel of Andalusia, Quad-Cities Campus student
“Accommodations Within Reason” by Hailey Ortiz of Coal Valley, Quad-Cities Campus student

Romance

“Still-Marsh Bride” by Najah Vesey of Rock Island, Quad-Cities Campus student
“The Colors of Love” by Mia Merkel, East Campus student

Science Fiction

“More Time” by KayNiya Willoughby of Milan, Quad-Cities Campus student
“Automaton” by Ruthann Leesman

Thriller/Suspense

“Moth at the Window” by Natalie Rotramel
“The Assignment” by Ava Hoskins

Pictured: Atticus Garrison (employee), Jaina Gliva (employee), Mia Merkel, Ava Hoskins, Eric Zavala, Natalie Rotramel, Hailey Ortiz, and Ruthann (Ruthie) Leesman.