Winning Essays

The staff of The Writing Center@PVCC chose the ensuing three essays as the winners of our 2025 contest. An introduction written by a Writing Center tutor precedes each essay. The essays appear in an order decided by consensus. Accompanying art is by PVCC students. Please continue to "Honorable Mentions" to see other compelling submissions.

Artwork by Breeana Reynolds; it depicts a school of red and orange fish swimming in light blue water

The Only Way Out is Through

David Waldeck

Renewal by Jane Freeman; artwork depicts bouquet of flowers with only the color being five red petals

The Bittersweet Goodbye

Amanda Baseler

Flower Still Life by Sandra Schwartz; artwork depicts two colorless flowers placed within jar

Death Was Mine, Until It Wasn't

Mya Tolley

Artwork by PVCC students: Breeana Reynolds (2026); Renewal by Jane Freeman (2023); Flower Still Life by Sandra Schwartz (2023) (artwork from 2026 and 2023 PVCC Student Art Exhibition)

Report abuse