University Library News Release
Date: February 22, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jeanette Smith, NMSU Library, (575) 646-7492, jcsmith@lib.nmsu.edu
Big Read Contest Winners Announced
Last Fall, the Big Read Las Cruces sponsored a photography contest, an essay contest and a film contest in celebration of the novel Bless Me Ultima. Photos by James Hill and Michael Polka won in a tie for first place in the photography contest, which portrayed images and themes in the book. Second place was won by the youngest winner, twelve year old Rose Choneska. Keith Risinger placed third with his images of three crosses at sunset. There were also three honorable mentions, which were awarded to Austin Fulmer, Karen Lieberman and G.K. Strawn.
The theme of the essay contest was "The Novel that Changed My Life." Clifton Butt won first place in the adult category for his essay on To Kill a Mockingbird, and Zachary Flores won the teen category with his essay on Ayn Rand's Anthem. The film contest winner was Mary Keith's English class from Las Cruces High School with its interpretation of a funeral for Ultima. Contest winners received a total of $2,400 in prizes.
The contests were sponsored by the NMSU Library and its community partners in the Big Read Las Cruces. For more information, please contact Alisa Gonzalez at (575) 646-6926.
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