UTM hosted Scholarfest April 6-8. The Honors Programs and the Division of Academic Affairs cosponsored the event. Over 400 students and faculty in attendance this year and 90 students presented.

The event was geared to spark interest in students and faculty to learn something other than their usual fare. The forums presented at the festival focused on students’ research papers, essays and artwork. These included forums on academic subjects such as the philosophy of music education, the importance of play for children who are hospitalized and a language case study.

Graduate and undergraduate students who presented the different forums at the event were required to have a faculty sponsor in order to participate.

Presenter Sara Reid focused on her change from writing for classes to writing for the Weakley County Press.

Okwede Okoh, a senior Political Science and English major from Memphis, said, “I thoroughly enjoyed Sara’s presentation of becoming a journalist.”

The first round of papers was followed by students in Dr. Leslie La Chance’s poetry workshop. Students in the class were required to present at least one of their poetry selections.

When asked about how she decided what poem to read freshman English major Rachel Ellis from Hendersonville said, “For my poems it is about the reaction of the poem from the audience, and how I feel about the poem.”

La Chance said, “The class and the work is really remarkable, especially the caliber of the work. It holds up against any other works out there. I am very proud.”

Haley Simmons, a senior Political Science major from Martin, said, “It was a great experience, and was a great practice for those giving presentations for the workplace after school.”

Dr. Zachry, director of the Honors Programs, said, “There was a very positive reaction from both students and faculty on this event. I was very pleased with the turnout.”