English grad student takes top honors in annual Don Markos poetry contest

• May 16, 2011 11:00am

Trisha Angelica Malanyaon has taken first prize in the annual Department of English Donald Markos Poetry competition with "As She Withers.” Malanyaon earned a BA in English, Language & Discourse option, in March and is now in the TESOL Master’s Program.

Second prize went to Elaine Reyes Bryce, a master’s degree candidate in English, for "Give me my baby"; and third to Michael Gonzales, a senior in English, Creative Writing option, for "Facebook Sonnet Number a Million."

Jason Beyer’s "Grocery Store Fashionista" took first honorable mention; Bob Palmer’s "Serpico," was second honorable mention; and Mary Sanchez’s "ER in Bloom" took the third honorable mention.

The entries were judged by Lucille Lang Day, whose poetry collections and chapbooks have included, “Self-Portrait with Hand Microscope,” and “Fire in the Garden,” among others. She also wrote the children’s book, “Chain Letter,” based on her poem “Letter from St. Jude.” 

“Congratulation to all,” said Susan Gubernat, associate professor of English and coordinator of the competition. “We had many fine contenders this year.”

The award was created by Professor Emeritus Donald Markos who holds a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois and taught in the CSUEB English Department from 1966-99.

DD