Prose on painting nets Halper '11 Ward Prize

Author: Tim O'Grady

The 30th annual presentation of the "Paul Ward '25 Prize In Writing" to the Class of 2011 was held on Oct. 3 in the New Library, honoring 40 members of the Class of 2011. The esteemed competition recognizes current sophomores who have produced outstanding essays during their first academic year at Middlebury.

Jessica Halper '11 won first prize for her essay entitled "A Romantic Dialogue: Frans Hals and Seventeenth Century Dutch Marriage Portraiture" that she wrote for her first-year seminar. Halper analyzed how Dutch painter Frans Hals revolutionized martial portraitures in the 17th century by emphasizing the intimacy and open friendship expressed between a Dutch husband and wife.

Halper's professor, Assistant Professor of History of Art & Architecture Eliza Garrison, was unable to attend the event; however, she sent an e-mail that was recited.

"While all of Jessica's papers…were great, this final assignment was truly outstanding. A real 'A'" wrote Garrison.

Zaheena Rasheed's '11 essay "Oblique I Am" and Moria Robinson's '11 piece "Last Hope: Fertility Preservation for Cancer Patients" won second place. Additionally, Alice Bennet '11, Erik Brooks '11, Xian Chiang-Waren '11, Emma Lennon '11 and Allison Wells '11 received "honorable mention" recognition for their works.

The selection process for the Ward Prize begins with faculty members keeping an eye out for outstanding first-year writers during the year and then submitting their best papers to Kathleen Skubikowski, Director of Writing. Towards the end of the summer, Skubikowski forms an interdisciplinary group of faculty members to judge the submitted works. The panel this year was comprised of author and Lecturer in English and American Literatures David Bain and Associate Professor of Philosophy Martha Woodruff.

The judges must read every submitted paper independently and afterwards rank their top ten works. After some discussion amongst the judges, they arrive at a consensus and designate selected works for recognition.

"Often one paper just rises to the top," said Skubikowski.

One of the most distinguishing aspects about this writing award is that it is not restricted to English essays. In fact, professors are able to submit essays with a wide range of topics. This year's nominated pieces included personal narratives, critical arguments, research papers and lab reports.

"We've committed ourselves to the idea of placing writing as the center of a liberal arts education" said Skubikowski.

Every student nominated for the Ward Prize is also invited to train as a peer-writing tutor for the following year. Since a plethora of academically diverse works are nominated, tutors are well-versed in various disciplines and can assist students with any type of paper.

Dorothy Ward '25, who wanted to commemorate her husband's successful career, established the Paul W. Ward '25 Memorial Prize in 1978. Mr. Ward was a journalist and diplomatic reporter, winning the Pulitzer Prize and the French Legion of Honor.

"It was the bequest of the family [to honor first-years]. This is the only award that recognizes the intellectual dimension and writing capabilities of first-year students," said Skubikowski.