On February 10 through 12, the Liberal Arts Network for Development, also known as LAND, held its conference in Grand Rapids, where nine HFC students received awards and recognition for their research and art. The LAND conference is a statewide community college competition. This year, HFC had the largest group of winners from a single college, placing in the following categories: Student Scholars, Writing Contest- Fiction, and the LAND 3D Art Competition.

Participants in the Student Scholars category presented their winning research in TED-style “Lightning Talks.” There were a total of eight winners, five of which came from HFC.

Kelly Pettit gave her presentation on “The Evolution of Electronic Music in Detroit” where she discussed Detroit’s influence on techno.

Quilon Patterson spoke on “Black Bottom: The Road Between the Past and the Future,” and the importance of Black Bottom in the history and culture of African Americans in Detroit.

Rana Makki shared her talk on “The Controversy Behind Literary Awards,” where she analyzed three major literary awards.

Jeremy Cross presented on “The Racial Divides of Detroit,” tracing racial conflicts of the 1943 and 1967 race riots to socio-economic and political factors that still plague Detroiters.

The final presentation was given by Issamar Camacho Almaraz, where she carefully detailed facts and research to support her talk on “Segregation and Takeovers in DPS,” examining state laws that have permitted emergency managers and charter schools in Detroit. Almaraz ended her talk with footage of African American student, Marketh Jones, declaring to the news media that DPS students are “not second-class citizens.”

For the Fiction Writing Contest, students were able to share their work at an open-mic night. Writing workshops were also provided. Rana Makki placed first for her piece “Mona Talks,” about an Arab American girl who learns how to balance her family’s traditions with new American values. In third place, was “Summer Boys,” by yours truly, Brittney Arafat. My story was about a daughter and her mother as they learn about relationships after divorce.

All three awards for the LAND 3D Art Competition went to HFC students.First place was awarded to Sophia Hart, for her clay sculpture of boots titled, “A Walk In Vincent’s Shoes.” Second place went to Diane Eberts, for her “Curvilinear Decorated Tray Set,” which featured a geomentric design across multiple plates. Third place was awarded to Sarah Bosell for “Once Upon A Time,” which was fairytale inspired.

“The LAND competition is an example of gatherings we should be encouraged to attend, as they inspire scholars, as well as their peers,” stated HFC Student Scholar recipient, Quilon Patterson. All students received certificates and awards for their accomplishments.

“The LAND Conference attendees were amazed by the quality of student work,” states Becky Roberts, President of LAND. “The student winners this year have certainly raised the bar for future contests.”