Lake Michigan College Students Earn Top Honors in Statewide Writing Competition and Scholarship Recognition

BENTON HARBOR, MI – Lake Michigan College students have achieved exceptional recognition in the 2025 Liberal Arts Network for Development (LAND) Creative Writing Competition, with three students earning top honors at the statewide level.

The competition encompasses three genres—fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry—with students first competing at their home institutions before advancing to statewide recognition.

Chloe Luneke earned first place in the Creative Nonfiction category for her essay "Backseat Prayers." Judges praised her work as "rich in detail and creative metaphor," commending the piece for its compelling storytelling and vivid imagery. The judges called Luneke's writing "beautifully crafted," highlighting her sophisticated approach to the genre.

Mollie Welton secured second place in the Fiction category for her story "The Expedition to the Throne." Judges were particularly impressed with her "world building" abilities, noting that this crucial element of fantasy writing was expertly executed. The judges expressed enthusiasm for Welton's future work, stating they would be eager readers of her continued writing endeavors.

In addition to the competition honors, Carol Brîzan has been named a 2026 LAND Scholar and will present research at the upcoming LAND Conference, marking another significant achievement for Lake Michigan College.

Winning entries from the contest will be published in the LAND online Creative Writing Journal. Students and their faculty mentors have been invited to attend the awards ceremony at the LAND Conference in Dearborn, Michigan, this February.

"These accomplishments reflect not only the hard work and talent of our students but also the dedication of LMC faculty members who mentor and encourage them to develop their writing skills," said Sarah J. Smith, LMC English Faculty. 

LAND was founded by Dr. Peter Kim at Henry Ford College and provides a platform for celebrating outstanding student talent across Michigan's 28 community colleges and three tribal colleges. 

About Lake Michigan College

Lake Michigan College is a public, non-profit community college serving Southwest Michigan. With campuses in Benton Harbor, Niles, and South Haven, LMC offers associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs to prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions or direct entry into high-demand careers. Committed to academic excellence, student success, and community engagement, LMC provides accessible, affordable, and high-quality education to learners of all backgrounds. For more information, visit www.lakemichigancollege.edu.