Kenyon Gradert won Purple Martin Awards for writing

SIOUX CENTER, IA (05/12/2011)(readMedia)-- Kenyon Gradert of Ireton, Iowa, won Purple Martin Awards from Dordt College. Gradert is a senior majoring in English: literature and individual Studies.

Purple Martin Awards are given to students who have written interesting and thoughtful papers throughout the academic year that deserve extra recognition.

Kenyon Gradert won the following awards:

• First Place in the category of Poetry with "Kenyon Allen Gradert," "Midnight Bacon," "Valentine Day," "Oxford," and "Fox Pups."

• First Place in the category of Personal Essay with "Ebenezer."

• Second Place in the category of Fiction with "Festival."

The Purple Martin Awards are given each year in the categories of literary analysis, non-fiction, fiction, poetry, personal essay, narrative, and essay. First place winners are given $100, second place finishers receive $50, and all honorable mention winners receive special recognition. All Dordt College English professors are involved in the selection process.

Dordt College is a comprehensive Reformed, Christian college in Sioux Center, Iowa. Dordt is ranked third on the 2011 list of Best Regional Colleges in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report, marking the 19th year in a row Dordt has been on the list and the seventh time the college has placed in the top ten. At Dordt, 98 percent of enrolled students receive financial aid, thanks in part to generous alumni committed to the mission of the college.

Dordt College offers more than 90 degrees of study including English. The English program at Dordt allows students to choose from three different program emphases including literature, writing, and secondary education. English minors are available in general English, writing, and journalism. Learn more at www.dordt.edu.