HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State University’s Sigma Tau Delta-International English Honor Society-Rho Psi Chapter received two prestigious awards at the recent Sigma Tau Delta International Convention in St. Louis.
FHSU earned an Outstanding Chapter Award and a second-place finish for Outstanding Literary Arts Journal for its campus publication, “Lines from the Middle of Nowhere.”
The Outstanding Chapter Award is designed to recognize local chapters that have exhibited outstanding motivation, creativity and service in the preceding year. Winnings include a check for up to $500 and a plaque. A travel grant of $350 may also be awarded for sending at least one student representative to the annual convention and bringing a chapter exhibit.
FHSU’s chapter is composed of 23 active members who participate in many campus activities throughout the academic year. Ten inducted members, one professor and an alumna member went to the convention. Seven students presented their work and two members proposed roundtables that were accepted.
“These awards would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the Rho Psi members and their sponsor, Dr. Lexey Bartlett,” said Judy Sansom, president of the FHSU Chapter.
“Our literary arts journal, ‘Lines from the Middle of Nowhere,’ is a student publication that accepts submissions from online and on-campus FHSU students,” said Sansom. “Without talented students, we would not have a successful journal.”
“Lines” highlights the talents of FHSU students and accepts work submitted by any member of FHSU, including virtual students. The work is then selected by a student-led editorial board composed of Sigma Tau Delta members. This year’s journal displays 15 poems, three short stories and 10 pieces of visual art by majors across the campus.