2020 President's Writing Awards

Published: May 28, 2020

College of Western Idaho's (CWI) English department is proud to present the recipients of its annual President’s Writing Awards. The annual awards were established to recognize and honor excellence in student writing at CWI. This year, a virtual recognition ceremony was produced to announce the winners. Students were honored for their work during a video presentation and remarks from President Bert Glandon. This is the seventh year Glandon and his wife, Jane, selected students to receive awards in the following categories:

  • Creative Nonfiction
  • Critical Analysis
  • Fiction
  • First-Year Writing
  • Literature Based Research
  • Original Based Research
  • Poetry
  • Technical Writing

The 2020 President’s Writing Award winners are:

Creative Nonfiction: first-person accounts that explore the writer’s experiences and observations.  

  • First Place - Ashlee Vanliew (Faculty, Laura Stavoe) 
  • Second Place - Cassandra Kiyoko Woodard (Faculty, Malia Collins) 
  • Third Place - Meira Vaid (Faculty, Malia Collins)

Critical Analysis: represents essays that critically evaluate or analyze a piece of literature, a theatrical performance, a work of visual art, a historical moment, a philosophical argument, a social movement, etc. 

  • First Place - Ashton Syed (Faculty, Robert Harbaugh) 
  • Second Place - Laura Baldwin (Faculty, Kim Scheffer)  
  • Third Place - Cassandra Kiyoko Woodard (Faculty, Liza Long)

Fiction 

  • First Place - Joseph Higley (Faculty, Dave Nicholas) 
  • Second Place - Kathleen Brashier (Faculty, Catherine Kyle)
  • Third Place - Kimberly Harwood (Faculty, Dave Nicholas)

First-Year Writing

  • First Place - Valerie Roberts (Faculty, Liza Long) 
  • Second Place - Jonathan Lucero (Faculty, Abby Wolford)
  • Third Place - Kassandra Kolbet (Faculty, Roni Rankin)

Literature Based Research

  • First Place - Cassandra Kiyoko Woodard (Faculty, Nikki Gorrell)
  • Second Place -  Erin Gee (Faculty, Heather Schoenherr)
  • Third place - Julie McCoubrey (Faculty, Reggie Jayne)

Original Research

  • First Place - Sevio Stanton (Faculty, Brian McClain)
  • Second Place - Alison Brenenstall (Faculty, Michelle Fellows) 
  • Third Place - Erin Gee (Faculty, Michelle Fellows)

Poetry

  • First Place - Travis Wayne Hill (Faculty, Abby Wolford) 
  • Second Place - Nicole Alexandra Kreiner (Faculty, Jana McCurdy) 
  • Third Place - Ashlee Vanliew (Faculty, Abby Wolford)

Technical Writing

  • First Place - Ashton Syed (Faculty, Karl Von Der Ehe)
  • Second Place - Mikela Baciu (Faculty, Karl Von Der Ehe)
  • Third Place - Aubrey Pulsipher (Faculty, Karl Von Der Ehe)

Watch the video, and stay tuned for additional virtual presentations recognizing 2020 Connections Excellence and Emerging Scholars recipients.

More from CWI

Jay Berry stand in the middle of a computer lab

After returning to school at CWI, Jay Berry found his calling in computer science and a path toward his future.

Read more about Berry Develops Future in Computer Science
Five people stand on grass while looking at a screen

Geoscience program is bringing science and history together through a hands-on collaboration aimed at preserving a piece of local heritage in Nampa.

Read more about Geoscience Program Helping Restore Historic Nampa Cemetery
Studio Art 2026 Capstone pieces in front of green backdrop

Celebrate the artistic and academic achievements of Studio Art graduates at the exhibit, What Makes Us Human, on display, beginning April 16.

Read more about What Makes Us Human: 2026 CWI Capstone Artist Exhibition
Business Professionals of America students and faculty stand with their awards

Four CWI Business Professionals of America students participated in this year’s State Leadership conference, and each earned top-five placements across several competitions.

Read more about Students Excel at 2026 Idaho Business Professionals of America State Leadership Conference
Two students sitting at a computer

Students put their technical skills and preparation to the test during SkillsUSA Idaho's 2026 Idaho State Leadership and Skills Conference, earning multiple podium finishes across...

Read more about CWI Students Earn Honors at 2026 Idaho SkillsUSA Conference
Jessica Smith stands next to a hospital bed with a mannequin

As a full-time Registered Nursing student, mom, and wife, Jessica Smith is pursuing her dream at CWI with hard work and support from her family, cohort, and scholarships. Through hands-on...

Read more about Driven to Care
ShanDale Youmans sitting near plant box

After enrolling at CWI, ShanDale Youmans has gained hands-on experience, mentorship, and opportunities that helped turn her passion for the outdoors into a clear biology career path.

Read more about Youmans Embracing Opportunities to Shape Her Future
Holly Bale stands next to artwork
Holly Bale

Digital Photography students help bring campus to life with their images now installed in new buildings on campus, showcasing creativity and student talent.

Read more about Student Photography Brings Life to New Campus Buildings
Graduates raising their right hand in audience

CWI honored 14 graduates of its Law Enforcement Class 15 on March 9 with awards, a class gift, and reciting the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics.

Read more about Ceremony Honors 2026 Law Enforcement Graduates
Group of people signing a paper

CWI and Micron celebrated 12 apprenticeship graduates and welcomed 11 new apprentices, highlighting a growing partnership building Idaho’s semiconductor workforce.

Read more about CWI Celebrates Micron Apprenticeship Graduates and Welcomes Fifth Cohort
Group of people stand in front of a bridge

Anthropology students visited Celebration Park for hands-on fieldwork, exploring Indigenous history, petroglyphs, and the landscapes that shaped human life.

Read more about Field Trip Brings Anthropology Lessons to Life

News QR Code

URL: https://cwi.edu/news/2020-presidents-writing-awards<br>