The Lantern Staff
March 12th, 2023
On April 4th, 2023, UC Clermont’s student literary journal, The East Fork Journal, celebrated its 2023 Alumni Event. The event was held on campus in 142 Snyder with other participants joining via Zoom and focused on celebrating East Fork’s student staff, high school writing competition, and journal alumni contributors.
The emphasis on celebrating alumni came in conjunction with UC Clermont’s 50th anniversary. Those featured included past students Clayton Biecher, Becca Costello, James Eugiar, Aaron Fletcher, Eric Hagan, Christen Kauffman, and Jasmine Warner. Alumni shared their experience and appreciation for UC Clermont along with sharing their literary works.
Local high school students were also honored as part of East Fork’s high school literary competition. The finalists included Caroline Meshew from Milford High School, Elora Nissen from West Clermont High School, Emily Couter from Simon Kenton High School, Grem Sheaf from DePaul Cristo Rey High School, Jataya White from DePaul Cristo Rey High School, Lilian Brown from West Clermont High School, and Sydney McCord from West Clermont High School.
Winners of the writing competition included Yesica Guzman from DePaul Cristo Rey High School, Jack Feltz of Milford High School, and Ayla Brasfield of Batavia High School. Honorable mention went to Alaisha Velazquez Diaz of Depaul Cristo Rey High School.
Editor’s choice was awarded to visual artist, Tayler Helmbright from University of Cincinnati – DAAP, and literary artist Cara Reeder from University of Cincinnati – CCP.
Faculty Advisor, Dr. Stephanie Alcantar, unveiled a brand new, sleek, website while honoring current student staff members Rachel Hoermann and Shannon Wells.
Among those in attendance included several of the English department staff, including Department Chair Sharon Burns and the Lantern faculty advisor, Brad Gibson. Clermont Dean, Dr. Jeffrey C. Bauer, was also in attendance and helped kick off the ceremony with a thoughtful welcome speech.
The event was well attended with much of the small auditorium space filled with current faculty, the East Fork staff, honored high school students, and parents. Most notably, the celebration was a triumphant showcase of UC Clermont’s past, present, and future.
Here is a look at what we saw at the event:
Photo Gallery
