Cleveland, GA – Families and friends clustered in groups in The Nightly, Truett McConnell University’s coffee shop, as the 2026 winners of TMU’s annual writing competition read their works from the 8th issue of the Yonah Literary Review. From poetry that stirred hearts to nonfiction that brought smiles, the reading was a success.
Begun in 2018, the Yonah Literary Review offers the opportunity for TMU’s students to submit fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and cover art in a school-wide competition. Whether dual enrolled, an undergrad, or pursuing an advanced degree, the competition is open to all current students as they grow in their abilities as writers. Following judging by the English faculty, the winning submissions are compiled into the Yonah Literary Review.
“We are pleased to sponsor this annual writing contest,” stated Dr. Michael Justus, Chair of the Conrad Grebel School of the Humanities. “It allows us to showcase the accomplishments of TMU writers and by doing so we hope to inspire our students to express and hone their skills and creativity, all for the glory of God.”
Yonah Literary Review Winner List:
Cover Art
“A River and a Memory” by Michael Bowen
Fiction
- “My Appalachian Sunshine” by Mae Sullens
- “The Way the Light Fell” by Abigail Adams
- “Drifter” by Hannah Bolick
Poetry
- “I Wonder” by Gianna Claxton
- “Poem for My Father, a Veteran” by Preston Krogman
- “Titans of the Skies” by Michael Bowen
Non-Fiction
- “The Seamstress” by Mae Sullens
- “Confessions of a Student Teacher” by Myra Ehrenburg
- “Pecan Christmas” by Michael Bowen
“This year’s winners are from a variety of academic programs at Truett, including a dual enrollment student who is a junior in high school. The work displays outstanding creativity and excellence and demonstrates the special gifts granted by the Lord to His children as they inspire and motivate others,” shared Professor Golden, who has managed Yonah since 2024. “It is an honor to work with these talented students, and we look forward to seeing future submissions for the Yonah Review.”
The English program at TMU seeks to develop the abilities and creativity of its students, preparing them for futures in creative writing, journalism, education, and much more. Though this year’s winners come from various pursuits, including education, nursing, and communication, the talent from the School of the Humanities shines throughout this edition of the Yonah Literary Review.
Truett McConnell University is a private Christian liberal arts and sciences university located in Cleveland, Georgia, and has been ranked by Best Value Schools as the #1 Christian College in Georgia. TMU offers 80+ different programs of study, including baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The University boasts a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, while 100% of incoming students receive financial aid. For more information about Truett McConnell University, visit www.truett.edu.
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