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SC4 celebrates 65th edition of Michigan’s longest-running, student-led literary and arts magazine

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) students have received recognition for their work in the 65th edition of Patterns, Michigan’s oldest literary and arts publication aimed at showcasing student writing talent and works of art.

Patterns is designed by an SC4 student. Zoe Palmateer was the graphic designer for this edition, while faculty members Sarah Flatter, Jim Frank and Gary Schmitz provided direction and support to students.

“Patterns is an opportunity to celebrate being creative and to recognize the unique talents of our next generation of artists,” said Flatter, SC4 professor of fine arts and graphic design. “We congratulate all of those who contributed to the 65th edition of Patterns and honor their success.”

Awards were given to students during a Patterns Award Ceremony and Reception on Thursday, April 27, on the College’s Port Huron campus.

The following students received awards:

Literature

  • Eleanor Mathews Award, writing — Payton Wiley of St. Clair
  • Blanche Redman Award, poetry — Karen Crorey of Marine City for Depression Exits
  • Second-place poem — Daisi Dixon of Emmett for Home
  • Third-place poem — Maggie Whitehouse of Yale for Car-Ride to Church
  • Kathleen Nickerson Award, essay — Tony Cole of Kimball Township for Rise of the New Woman: An Analysis of Historical Context n “The Yellow Wallpaper”
  • Second-place essay — Kathryn Manhart of Jeddo for My Friends Are My Power: Kingdom Hearts and the Importance of Connection
  • Richard Colwell Award, short story — Olivia Brody of East China Township for Guidance
  • Second-place short story — Krysta Saunders of Kimball Township for Wine is Thicker Than Blood
  • Third-place short story — Payton Wiley of St. Clair for To Bigfork

Art

  • Patrick Bourke Award, art — Ashley Cleland of Port Huron
  • First-place visual art — Cass Gordon of Snover for Scrap Bucker Sculpture
  • Second-place visual art — Zoe Palmateer of Fort Gratiot for Sailors’ Demise
  • Third-place visual art — Henry Charron of St. Clair for Leaf at Table Edge

Merit awards also were provided to students for having their work chosen for inclusion in Patterns:

Literary Selection of Merit

  • Sarah Coulter of Port Huron
  • Amanda Hurst of Marine City
  • Nicole Marabate of Capac
  • Katrina Mausolf of Minden City
  • Morgan McConnell of Casco Township
  • Riley Petit of Clay Township
  • Lilly Rodriguez of Emmett
  • Payton Wiley of St. Clair

Arts Selection of Merit

  • Paige Burgos of Port Huron
  • Henry Charron of St. Clair
  • Ryan Churchill of Port Huron
  • Ashley Cleland of Port Huron
  • Cass Gordon of Snover
  • Marcus Helton of Port Huron
  • Bryce Hurd of Fort Gratiot
  • Katerina Lindsay of Riley Township
  • Brooke McIntyre of Melvin
  • Zoe Palmateer of Fort Gratiot
  • Isabella Perry of Capac
  • Rylee Pihaylic of Port Huron
  • Alina Poplawski of Marysville
  • Anna Rieck of Clay Township
  • Jacqueline Rodriguez of Capac
  • Evelyn Scarbrough Riley Township
  • Katsiaryna Trapashka of Port Huron

Production of Patterns is made possible by the financial support from SC4 and SC4 Friends of the Arts. Copies of Patterns are available in Room 10, SC4 Fine Arts Building, or the SC4 Library, in College Center, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday or by calling (810) 989-5709.

Alumni Spotlight: Linda Siewert

Current or most recent title and employer?
Human Resources Manager

How did SC4 help prepare you?
The coursework, instructors and guidance I received at SC4 was integral in preparing me for my career as a human resources professional.

What do you like most about what you do professionally?
As a human resources manager, I have the opportunity to work with several company departments and a variety of employees on a daily basis.

Did you transfer on and earn other degrees? If so, what degrees and from where?
After I completed my studies at SC4, I transferred to Baker College and earned my bachelor’s degree (magna cum laude).

Fall 2023 registration now open

Registration for fall semester is now underway at St. Clair County Community College. Fall semester courses—which are offered online and on-campus— begin Aug. 21.

Students interested in earning affordable credits toward a degree or transfer pathway, as well as those community members interested in learning more about a particular topic or passion, can now enroll to secure their classes.

“SC4 can help you get there—regardless of where you’re headed,” said Jessica Brown, vice president of DEI and Admissions. “SC4 alumni are engineers, doctors, nurses, lawyers, welders, scientists, public safety officers, designers, managers, entrepreneurs and much more. SC4 credits transfer easily and are a fraction of the cost compared to four-year institutions. Plus, we offer a wide array of support services and exciting campus life experiences.”

A full list of courses and sections is available at sc4.edu/schedule, and new students can learn how to apply and register at sc4.edu/admissions/. Current students can register via the SC4 Portal at portal.sc4.edu.

Dual enrollment and early/middle college options are available for current high school students to earn college credits at no cost. However, if cost is still a factor for other types of students, SC4 financial aid experts stand ready to assist.

“Our goal is to help students understand what support is out there so they can focus on what matters most—their classes,” said Jo Cassar, SC4 executive director of Financial Assistance and Veteran Services. “Most of our students receive financial aid, through a combination of federal, state and private funding sources, grants and scholarships. There’s potential support out there, but you’ll never get it unless you fill out a FAFSA and apply.”

New this year is the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which provides eligible high school graduates (starting with the Class of 2023) with up to $2,750 if they attend a community college, per year. Additionally, Michigan Reconnect pays for qualifying students who are 25 years old and older to attend SC4 tuition-free.

For more information about applying to SC4 and registering for courses, contact the SC4 Admissions team at (810) 989-5571 or starthere@sc4.edu. For more information about financial aid and scholarships, send an email to financialaid@sc4.edu or call (810) 989-5530 with questions.

Alumni Spotlight: Karen Deschaine

Current or most recent title and employer?
Director of Communications, Woman’s Life Insurance Society

How did SC4 help prepare you?
I was working full-time when I first enrolled at SC4, and initially only planned to take a few classes to improve my graphic design skills. An SC4 advisor helped me create a path to complete my associate degree in business by combining the required/core classes with electives that helped me build the design skills I needed for the job I had then. It was a lot of hard work, taking classes in person and online while working full-time, but it was definitely worth it in the end. The classes I took at SC4 prepared me well for the next level of classes when I transferred to Walsh College. Even today, the combination of my degree(s) and those creative skills helps set me apart from others and has enabled me to continue to grow in my career.

What do you like most about what you do professionally?
I’m fortunate to work for an organization that has a mission I care about deeply. In my role, I get to work on a wide variety of communications and marketing-related projects and campaigns from developing corporate messaging and ad campaigns to graphic design, video production to social media and website content. I love that I get to apply the skills I gained at SC4 and continue to learn new things every day while helping my organization and the people we serve as we pursue our mission.

Did you transfer on and earn other degrees? If so, what degrees and from where?
After graduating from SC4, I transferred to Walsh College where I earned my bachelor’s degree in business and marketing.