The Center for the Study of Aging Announces
Winners of First Annual Writing Contest
-Students Awarded Prizes at McDaniel’s “Your Future and Aging" Event-

The Center for the Study of Aging (CSA) at McDaniel College announced the winners of the First Annual Writing Contest in Gerontology during the Your Future and Aging Event in the College’s Decker Center Forum.  CSA Academic Director Diane Martin introduced McDaniel freshman Olivia Sykes who won First Prize and the accompanying $300 award for her essay entitled, "Finding Color."

Twenty-seven McDaniel graduate and undergraduate students submitted entries responding to the theme “How has your life been impacted by someone over the age of 60?”  The First, Second and Third Place winners were awarded $300, $200 and $100 dollars respectively. The winners were:

First Place
Olivia Sykes, “Finding Color”

Second Place
Kate Maloney, "A Sestina for My Grandparents"

Third Place
Ashley Boone, "Mary"

Fourth Place
Jena Ehmann, "The Spelling Tests"

Your Future and Aging included students, faculty and community providers interested in the various professional opportunities in aging.  Barbara Leasure and Sarah Polly of Carroll Lutheran Village gave insights on gerontology from the perspective of social workers.  Robin Weisse of  The Law and Mediation Center shed light on Elder Law issues.  McDaniel Provost Tom Falkner, CSA Director Buzz Baker and Dr. Martin met students and responded to their inquiries about the study of aging. 

The Center for the Study of Aging at McDaniel College offers a multidisciplinary learning experience including required undergraduate and graduate courses and electives from 12 different departments and programs, including gerontology, sociology, social work, psychology, communication, exercise science and physical education, biology and religion.  Funded in part by the Jessie Ball DuPont Fund, The CSA also is active in the community, engaging individuals and groups in issues relating to aging.  For more information, visit www.mcdaniel.edu/csa.