By Emarie Bailey, editing by Lexie Lee
On March 29, 2026, seven students, two alumni, and three professors all from Tennessee Wesleyan University (TWU) made their way to New Orleans, Louisiana for the Sigma Tau Delta English Convention.
Once the participants arrived, they quickly received their badges of recognition and set off to find their rooms at the Hyatt Regency, where the convention was held. In the following days, student participants would present their original pieces, both critical and creative.
The presenting schedule for TWU students went as follows:
- Keljan Thomas – March 30, 2026, at 3:15 p.m.
- Major Frerichs II – March 31, 2026, 12:15 p.m.
- Emarie Bailey – March 31, 2026, 3:15 p.m.
- Jadyn Jones – March 31, 2026, 4:45 p.m.
- Brittney Bowman – March 31, 2026, 4:45 p.m.
“My favorite part of the trip was getting to explore New Orleans with my friends,” said Jadyn Jones, a presenter from TWU. “My favorite part of the convention was supporting my peers as they presented their pieces.”
“My favorite part of the convention was getting to hear from students across the country about topics that were meaningful to them,” said Carson Blevins, a TWU attendee. “My favorite part of the trip was walking around the French Quarter getting to see all of the art and beauty that surrounds the city.”
“My favorite part of the trip was getting to explore the streets of New Orleans and experience the food, music, and art,” said Tatum Ward, a TWU alumnus. “My favorite part of the convention, as a four-time attendee, is always getting to hang out with other likeminded people who value education and learning.”
“My favorite part of the trip has been seeing you all form a community and enjoy new experiences together. Learning to navigate a city that is new for a lot of students is a kind of adventure, and the memories made on such adventures can last a lifetime,” said Professor William Murray from TWU. “As for the convention itself, it is always wonderful to see our students shine on a national stage. Coming to a convention like this allows [professors] to join in and add our voices to conversations, both critical and creative, that extend throughout the United States. It is truly a great thing both to see TWU students excel on this stage and to see how our students support one another by showing up to sessions and asking excellent questions.”
Support for not only TWU, but for Southern Tennessee as a whole, was shown by the presenters from the Athens campus. We are proud of all of you!