Shanae Beech is a 36-year-old mail handler at the United States Postal Service. She is currently pursuing her education at Goodwin University to become a skilled and compassionate registered nurse (RN). She is highly dedicated to her studies and values hard work, believing that great outcomes are rooted in the effort she puts into achieving her goals. Her commitment to academic excellence is evident in her ability to craft thoughtful and well-written essays, showcasing both her analytical skills and her attention to detail. In her personal life, she enjoys traveling, shopping, and spending quality time with her family and friends. She is hands-on and has a strong ability to excel in the tasks to which she commits. Through determination and passion, she strives to strike a balance between personal fulfillment and professional success.
Shatoya Simmons is a storyteller, advocate, and a woman of faith who believes in the power of words to heal, inspire, and transform. Her journey has been anything but easy, but through every trial, she has found strength in God, resilience in her experiences, and purpose in her voice. Her award-winning poem, "When My Son Cried," is more than just a piece of writing. It’s a testimony. Written during one of the darkest seasons of her life, it reflects the spiritual warfare she and her son endured, the weight of battles unseen, and the unwavering faith that carried them through. In that moment, when chaos surrounded them, she clung to God, and He showed up in ways she never imagined. Shatoya’s passion for writing is deeply rooted in her desire to bring light to others who are fighting silent battles. Whether through poetry, storytelling, or advocacy, she uses her voice to remind others that pain is not the end of the story. God is still writing it. Receiving the Goodwin Writing Award is more than just an achievement; it’s a sign of God's grace, a reminder that her words matter, and that her journey, though filled with challenges—is leading her exactly where she is meant to be. She is honored to share this moment with others and hopes her story serves as a beacon of hope for anyone who needs it.
Fajr Waheed is an 11th grade dual-enrollment scholar at Connecticut River Academy. Currently, she is interested in pursuing further education in the field of medicine as she aspires to become a pediatrician. Outside of school, she enjoys ice skating, visiting amusement parks, and reading books.
Ashley Williams is in the final stretch of completing her associate's degree at Goodwin University, set to graduate this summer. She plans to attend Arizona State University to complete her bachelor's degree in Anthropology, with a focus in Linguistics. As a mother, artist, holistic practitioner, and lover of life, Ashley is deeply passionate about human potential and the transformative power of the humanities. She believes that the study of human culture, language, and history provides profound insight into our capacity for growth. Ashley is excited to contribute to the Humanities Festival and looks forward to showcasing the timeless relevance and importance of the humanities in her presentation.
Use the gallery below to scroll through the three winning submissions for 2025:
