Whetstone Evening launches 38th annual issue of Student Art and Literary Journal

The Student Art and Literary Journal of Fairmont State University debuted its 38th annual issue at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7, at the West Virginia Folklife Center. Award winners in the categories of poetry and fiction read from their works, while graphic art submissions were displayed on the screen.

“Whetstone provides a wonderful opportunity for students to see their work published, and for the editing staff to hone their skills by reviewing the work of other students from various departments all over campus, Dr. Nathan Myers, assistant professor of English and faculty sponsor, said.

Taylor Crawford, first place award winner for poetry for “Imperial Entrance,” and a graduating senior English major from Buckhannon.

“Seeing my work in print gives me the confidence I need to continue cultivating my writing,” she said.  

Dakota Spielvogel, a junior English major from Wheeling, read his first-place award-winning story, “Lonely Duet.”

Madison Mayle, a junior Art major from Philippi, took the first-place award honors for art with her pieces “Ocean View,” and “Ungrounded.”

Overall, 31 students had their literary and artistic work published in Whetstone 38. Renea Spriggs, psychology major from Martinsburg, whose poems “Dear M,” and “Raul,” were included, reflected on the experience of being published.

“When it comes to my writing I’ve always been a little afraid to share with anyone. However, this opportunity gave me courage to submit something just to see what would happen,” she said.

“When I heard that my submissions made it in Whetstone I was ecstatic. Holding the copy of it in my hand and seeing the look on my parents’ faces of how proud they were was amazing to me.”

Works to be included are chosen by student editors at weekly meetings every Tuesday. Editor Bailey McInturff, junior English major from Beckley enjoys the editorial process. 

“I’m so glad I get to collaborate with such a large group of people who really care about art and literature and want to give people a chance to get published,” McInturff said. “It’s one thing for our friends, families, and professors to tell us they like our work, but when your work gets chosen anonymously from a panel of your peers, that makes you feel like what you produced is really worth something. Whetstone is a vital part of this institution that gives students a place to express themselves, and I don’t know what I would do without it.”

Featured

SHOPS & SERVICES

Buckhannon man held on $100,000 bail after being arrested on multiple drug charges

BUCKHANNON – A Buckhannon man was arrested Saturday after several illegal substances were allegedly found in his residence. Bryan Shaw, 41, of Buckhannon, was arrested for possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, possession with intent to deliver heroin, possession with […]

Become a premium member to unlock immediate access to this story and thousands more. Plus you’ll wake up every morning to our email edition. Your subscription supports local news by local writers. Signing up is easy — just tap the button below!

Buckhannon City Council approves $6.5 million-dollar budget prioritizing public safety, infrastructure

BUCKHANNON – City council passed the largest budget in Buckhannon’s history Tuesday, with the two largest allocations once again earmarked for public safety operations and infrastructure maintenance, respectively. At its March 14 meeting – rescheduled from March 16 due to […]

Become a premium member to unlock immediate access to this story and thousands more. Plus you’ll wake up every morning to our email edition. Your subscription supports local news by local writers. Signing up is easy — just tap the button below!

Police arrest man they say was the driver in 2022 pursuit that ended in a wreck with two people ejected

BUCKHANNON – A Rock Cave man was arrested for allegedly fleeing from police officers in a vehicle, injuring himself and a passenger. Elijah Carpenter, 27, of Rock Cave was arrested Thursday for fleeing from an officer and fleeing or attempting […]

Become a premium member to unlock immediate access to this story and thousands more. Plus you’ll wake up every morning to our email edition. Your subscription supports local news by local writers. Signing up is easy — just tap the button below!

SHOPS & SERVICES

Softball Lady Bucs get one-hit by Lincoln’s Haller in debut in 10-0 setback

TENNERTON – For their season opener, the Buckhannon-Upshur softball Lady Bucs ran into one of the top pitchers in the state in Lincoln’s Delaney Haller. Haller was the Big 10 Conference Pitcher of the Year last season and was captain […]

Become a premium member to unlock immediate access to this story and thousands more. Plus you’ll wake up every morning to our email edition. Your subscription supports local news by local writers. Signing up is easy — just tap the button below!

Baseball ‘Cats get home doubleheader split with ABU

BUCKHANNON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Wesleyan baseball team split with the Alderson Broaddus Battlers Monday, winning 7-2 in the first game and losing 7-0 in the second game. The bats were alive in Game

Inexperienced tennis Bucs fall in first two outings of 2023 season

BRIDGEPORT – The Buckhannon-Upshur tennis Buccaneers dropped their first two outings of the year last week. They opened their season at home last Thursday with a 7-0 setback to Robert C. Byrd and then went to Bridgeport Saturday and dropped […]

Become a premium member to unlock immediate access to this story and thousands more. Plus you’ll wake up every morning to our email edition. Your subscription supports local news by local writers. Signing up is easy — just tap the button below!

Lady Buc netters open season with win over Robert C. Byrd and narrow loss to John Marshall

BRIDGEPORT – The Buckhannon-Upshur Lady Buc tennis team is off to a 1-1 start to the season and was just an eyelash away from being a perfect 2-0. The Lady Bucs hosted Robert C. Byrd last Thursday and won a […]

Become a premium member to unlock immediate access to this story and thousands more. Plus you’ll wake up every morning to our email edition. Your subscription supports local news by local writers. Signing up is easy — just tap the button below!

SHOPS & SERVICES

Working in service: WVU research reaches all of West Virginia

Breakthroughs and research expertise nurtured at West Virginia University extend far beyond its labs, experimental sites and classrooms. In fact, WVU research efforts are unique compared to most universities, according to Vice President for Research Fred King. “While

Fairmont State University selects 2023 Presidential Scholarship winners

Three incoming Fairmont State University freshmen have been selected as the recipients of Fairmont State’s premier academic scholarship, the Charles J. McClain Presidential Scholarship. Sophie Stuart from Jefferson High School (Charles town, W.VA), Hailey Jordan

WVDEP hosting students on World Water Day

CHARLESTON, WV – In an effort to enrich students’ understanding of the importance of clean water, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) is hosting a water education event for area grade schools on