Student News and Opportunities
Timeline for 2026 English Prizes:
The submission window will open on Friday, March 6, 2026 and close on Friday, April 3, 2026. Be sure to send in your work before the deadline!
Each year, the English Department celebrates the achievements of our students across every area of study and creative practice. From original works of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction to excellence in composition, public speaking, and the study of Shakespeare, our students demonstrate extraordinary talent and dedication. We also recognize the scholarly rigor and originality of theses that showcase the depth of our students’ critical and creative engagement with literature. These awards honor the breadth of student accomplishment and the vibrant intellectual life of our community, with monetary prizes awarded to winners.
Available Prizes
- Fred Pfeil Memorial Prize in Creative Writing – For original work (fiction, poetry, play, screenplay, or creative nonfiction) that engages with social justice and the impact of culture and politics on human relationships.
- Trinity Alumnus Prizes in Fiction – For short stories of any length.
- John Curtis Underwood Memorial Prizes in Poetry – For up to four pages of original poetry.
- Academy of American Poets Prize – For one poem of any length (with possible national publication).
- Frank W. Whitlock Prizes in Drama – For one-act play scripts.
- F.A. Brown Prizes in Public Speaking – For an original 5–8 minute persuasive speech on a contemporary issue. Students must sign up. Speeches will be delivered in person.
- Alumni Prizes in English Composition – For expository essays, including revised and retyped class papers.
- Jim Murray Memorial Foundation Prize – For the best essay on a sports journalism topic, open to sophomore English majors from Connecticut.
Submission Guidelines
- Include the name of the contest at the top of your entry. Do not put your name on the work itself.
- In your email, include your name, year, and box number.
- You may submit to multiple contests, but each entry must be a separate attachment labeled with the contest name.
Late submissions will not be accepted.
