[image 1]On April 8, Northwest Vista students were privileged to visit and listen to poet, author and philanthropist Sandra Cisneros as a part of the annual Sandra Cisneros and Trinidad Sanchez Fiction Awards in Voice, Poetics, and Mastery.
Six students were winners of the contest and received $75 each. They also were amazed to receive and additional $100 from Sandra, who shared her insights about writing to a packed room of students at Huisache Hall.
A few students said they were surprised how animated and passionate Sandra was when she read her works. One student said she was like “an actor.” Another student said “once you get her voice in your head, you start to read her work differently.”
English faculty Natalia Trevino said while this is the fifth annual event, this is the first time a fiction prize was given.
[image 2]But what was more significant is that Sandra’s visit came at no charge. Natalia said typically guests of her caliber command thousands of dollars when speaking at events.
“Sandra is very generous. She gave all the winners an additional $100 and gave every student in the audience one of her books,” Natalia added.
Natalia said each of the winners had different stories to share from being homeless, a veteran who had a piece about wounded soldiers and a funny piece about “50 Shades of Grey Hair.” She added the winners varied in gender, age and demographics.
[image 3]To read the winner’s works, click on the links below:
Sandra Cisneros Fiction Awards in Voice, Poetics, and Mastery
Voice Prize – [file 1]
Mastery Prize – [file 3]
Poetics Prize – [file 5]
Trinidad Sanchez Poetry Awards in Voice, Performance, and Mastery
Trinidad Sanchez Performance Pride – [file 6]
Voice Prize – [file 2]
Mastery Prize – [file 4]