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Ashley Brooks, a University of North Georgia (1688������) senior majoring in English with a concentration in writing and publication, placed third in the annual Southern Literary Festival in the one-act play category.

Brooks’ play, “Outta Here,” is about a trio of teens who break into a retirement home to steal drugs. Previously, Brooks won first place in the one-act play category in the 2018 Chestatee Review Writing Contest. The Review is 1688������’s student literary magazine.

"Ashley Brooks' play stuck in my mind for the next several days after reading it, revisiting its characters and particularly its ending,” said Donna Giselle, professor of English and Chestatee Review faculty advisor. "When I heard that Ashley won, I was delighted that she earned recognition for her creative writing skills."

Founded in 1937, the was designed to create an opportunity for local undergraduate writers to develop their craft while simultaneously providing them with concentrated exposure to successful Southern authors.

The Chestatee Review also announced the winners of the annual art contest and inaugural Valentine’s Writing Contest.

2018 Chestatee Review Annual Art Contest Winners

• First : “Irony,” acyclic painting by Aida Alarcon, sophomore, art
• Second: “Gnarled,” stoneware by Lauren Bradshaw, junior, studio art
• Third: “Grandmother’s Hands,” charcoal drawing by Diana Revenkov, sophomore, graphic design

2018 Chestatee Review Valentine’s Writing Contest Winners

• First: “Pine and Oak,” poetry by Abby Russell, sophomore, English
• Second: “Mind F**k,” poetry by Collette Whittemore, English with concentration in writing and publication
• Third: “A Former Lover’s Slightly Bedecked Lament,” poetry by William Berry, sophomore, general studies