News Article

Edison student's essay selected in national competition

Nov 22, 2010

PUNTA GORDA – An Edison State College Charlotte Campus student was the state of Florida’s lone winner in Creative Communications’ national essay contest.

Korina Chilcoat, 18, received a personal letter from Senator Bill Nelson congratulating her for the accomplishment. The Edison State freshman also was the only home-schooled entry among the top 10.

“It was definitely a surprise; I just entered it on a whim and was just to get in the anthology,” Chilcoat said. “It was a huge compliment just to be nominated. … I think they selected 51 percent of everything that was submitted to be in the book, but to be in the top 10 is awesome. It’s definitely an honor.”

Chilcoat’s essay Who I Am is What I’ll Figure Out showcases her thoughts as a young writer through her personal vision of Punta Gorda.

Creative Communications offers poetry and essay competitions ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade and open to all 50 states and Canada. Korina’s category was for grades 10-12. She received a $50 savings bond, recognition in the anthology, as well as a free copy as a top 10 selection.

Asides from a full course schedule, Korina also is active in campus events. She performed in last spring’s musical A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

Last Updated: November 22, 2010