environment. Through environmental literature, at minimum, we can create an awareness of our complex relationship with the environment; at best, we can inspire action to improve those relationships and to envision possibilities for how to do so.
Our ability to offer this writing contest at St. Thomas Aquinas College is consistent with the many other environmental opportunities and activities throughout the campus. Last year’s theme for the writing contest was sustainability; this year, since the Honors Program had already successfully undertaken their Water Project, I felt it would merge the arts and sciences nicely if students were invited to create literature around the theme of “ripple effects”. We had many wonderful entries this and last year, making it difficult to choose among them. This year’s winner, Summer Lee, wrote an incredibly informative, compelling and thought-provoking piece on water toxicity. She is really to be commended for her efforts and her work! I am continually amazed by the talent of our student writers who deserve immense praise for their innovative and significant contributions to these communal conversations.”