Words and Wonders Food Winners

First Place: Family Gatherings by Isabella Ortiz

Isabella Ortiz, is a junior in high school. She has been writing poetry since the 6th grade, and has a passion for English. She love to read novels and hope one day to publish my works of poetry.

Second Place: The Magic Is Real by James Partain

James Partain grew up in Orlando. He left for the Army when he was 18 and on to the government after that. Twenty years later in 2018 James moved back to finish his degree at UCF and here is where he remains!

Third Place: Brief Ode to Orlando's Market Vendors by Adi Basu-Dutt

Adi Basu-Dutta just moved to Orlando after graduating from the University of Florida. He's currently working at Lake Eola's Swan Boats and searching for solutions to our affordable housing crisis. Beyond poetry, he also enjoys volunteering with the Adult Literacy League and dining at local restaurants with his boyfriend.

Fourth Place: (waiting on title) by Lissa Pompos

Lissa Pompos Mansfield (she/her) is a wife, mother, steward of a Little Free Diverse Library, and Associate Instructor in the Department of Writing and Rhetoric at UCF.

Fifth Place: Lessons from the Kitchen By Diane Neff

Diane Neff is a former professor, college dean, and US Navy officer and now serves as a librarian for the Seminole County Public Library System. She is a past president of Orlando Area Poets, a chapter of the Florida State Poets Association. Her poetry has appeared in several anthologies. Her other activities include Toastmasters and volunteering at Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando.

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