Moorefield, W.Va. — Eastern West Virginia Community & Technical College recently held its First Generation Student Art & Literary Showcase, which ran from October to November 2024, with the reception on November 19. The showcase, themed “Why I Am First,” provided first-generation students the opportunity to submit artwork or literary pieces that reflected their personal experiences as first-generation college students.
The submissions were judged by Eastern’s Art and English faculty, and awards were given in two categories: “Best in Show,” and “Why I Am First.” Kiyana Morgan, a first-generation student, received both the “Best in Show” and “Why I Am First” awards for her exceptional work. Her prizes included over $175 in Amazon gift cards and an Eastern gear bag featuring branded AirPods.
“I moved to Moorefield when I was 10 years old and have always thought “bigger” and sometimes “too big”. I want to be able to do what I love and thrive in the town I’ve been raised in. I’m a creative soul with a lot to express. I enjoy creating audio drama podcasts, short animations, and full-length series. I’ve been a small-time voice actor for three years now doing work on indie games, audio stories, YouTube, etcetera, and I am hopeful that I can express myself sooner than later on a much bigger screen,” said Morgan, “I’d like to bring some pride to our family in some way. I’m a big sister and I feel the need to set an example to her and my three children by being the first to graduate. I’m proud to be a first-generation student and I want to die knowing my mother was sincerely proud.”
“We are grateful to be able to hold events like these for students,” said Trent Montgomery, marketing/graphic designer, “and to continue hosting more events for the arts and literature on our campus.” Eastern is excited to continue fostering creativity and expression through future events. Eastern also publishes the Eagle’s Nest Art & Literary Magazine each year, with Volume IX having been released in June 2024. This magazine is completely free to the public for submitting art and writing to be featured. Eastern’s Art Club meets monthly, with the next session scheduled for December 11, from 4-6 p.m. Attendees of the next Art Club can paint and decorate Christmas ornaments for their trees. Another event on the horizon is a showcase celebrating National Literature Month in March 2025, which will be open to both the public and students. To learn more about getting involved with the arts at Eastern, email trent.montgomery@easternwv.edu. The First-Generation Student Art & Literary Showcase: “Why I am First” was supported by the First-Generation Student Success Grant.
