Young Writers Conference Returns To BPC

February 18, 2025

On Friday, January 31, 2025, six high school students won scholarships to Brewton-Parker College during the 2025 Young Writers Conference. During this conference, students from several school systems around the state participated in immersive writing workshops led by current BPC professors who were selected for their expertise and passion for helping young writers grow. Participants attended workshops on various topics, from “Building Your Path as a Writer” to “Devotional Poetry.”

Following these workshops, students applied their newly acquired skills to a personal creative writing piece to compete for the Outstanding Achievement Award in their workshop. The professors then evaluated these submissions to select the award recipients.

The following students received the Outstanding Achievement Award for their workshops and a $500 scholarship to attend BPC:

1. Laila Sloggy (Parkview High School) – “Building Your Path as a Writer: From Aspiration to Craft”

2. Luke O’Barr (Screven Christian Academy) – “Crafting Dialog for Fiction Writing”

3. Ben Farmer (Screven Christian Academy) – “Imitation and Inspiration in Creative Writing”

4. Jakob Tarpley (Wheeler County High School) – “Crafting a Better Character: Archetypes and Authenticity”

5. Mia Blackmon (South Effingham High School) – “The Scene: Developing Plot and Character through the Dramatic Encounter”

6. Layla Smith (Metter High School) – “Devotional Poetry”

Additionally, one student was selected from this list to receive the Highest Honors Award for the overall best submission, receiving an additional $500 scholarship and honorary publication in this year’s edition of Oracle, BPC’s undergraduate journal. This year’s Highest Honors Award was presented to Laila Sloggy from Parkview High School (Lilburn, GA). 

“I was very impressed with the conference and the students from around the state who chose to participate,” stated Dr. Beverly Faircloth, Division Chair of Education, Behavioral Sciences, and Humanities. “The high school students benefited from the opportunity to interact with our students and professors. It was obvious that they love writing, and I am proud that we could play a part in helping them hone their craft. I am looking forward to future conferences.”

Q&A Writers Panel: BPC students Anna Farris (sophomore), R’eyahn Shaffer (senior), and John Carroll; alumni Willie Ford and Johnna Goodman

In addition to the writing workshops, students and chaperones enjoyed a campus tour and complimentary lunch with the student ambassadors from Admissions. Afterwards, they attended a Q&A Writers panel featuring current BPC students and alumni, including Willie Ford, a former Young Writers Conference scholarship recipient. During this panel, attendees actively engaged with the panelists, asking in-depth questions regarding their experiences and inspirations in writing. The event concluded with an awards ceremony led by Dr. Justin E. Russell, BPC Provost, who presented the recipients with their awards. 

Dr. Russell presents the Highest Honors Award to Laila Sloggy. 

Dr. RussAfter the event, Dr. Russell reflected, “Words are seeds of transformation, and through this conference, Brewton-Parker College is cultivating the next generation of writers who will illuminate truth, inspire hope, and expand our collective understanding. I’m thankful to the volunteers and participants for helping reignite this event.”

The Department of Humanities and Brewton-Parker Admissions are already planning the next Young Writers Conference, tentatively scheduled for spring 2026. Brewton-Parker College remains dedicated to fostering young talent and looks forward to welcoming the next generation of writers to future conferences. ell presents the Highest Honors Award to Laila Sloggy. 

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The purpose of the nursing program is to prepare graduates who have the knowledge and skills to provide patient-centered holistic care that is safe, compassionate, honoring to Christ, and that meets the healthcare needs of diverse populations.

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In concert with Brewton-Parker College’s mission, the School of Nursing is committed to provide nursing education through the application of biblical truth to promote the formation of graduates who engage in evidence-based practice, lifelong learning, and servant leadership through the development of clinical reasoning, professional nursing skills, and Christian values.

Joanna Phillips-Mock

Student Enrichment Director

Joanna Phillips-Mock is a proud third generation Baron, both as a student and a staff member.

Beginning her teaching career in Middle Georgia in 1995, Mrs. Mock worked with a state funded program that served some of the most disadvantaged special needs students within the local school districts. She ultimately moved into leadership positions within the organization, serving and training others in multiple initiatives. She enjoys working with students of all ages to recognize and to achieve their greatest potential.

Mrs. Mock holds a Bachelor’s degree from Brewton-Parker College, a Master's degree in Education with a concentration in Behavior Disorders, and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Administration from Georgia College and State University. She resides in Ailey, Georgia, with her husband Don, their son Tye Lewis, her mother Carol Joyce, and multiple fur babies. She enjoys traveling, gardening, camping, and attending concerts.

Candace Lilford

Profeessional Tutor

Candace Lilford graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Theatre Generalism in 2021 from Anderson University and with her master’s degree in English Literature in 2023 from the University of Alabama. She presently serves as Professional Tutor for the Student Enrichment Center while also teaching sections of ENG 101 and 102. 

As part of her two-year master's program, Ms. Lilford taught sections of ENG 101 and 102, while also serving as teaching assistant for British Literature Survey courses and volunteering in the university’s Writing Center. Ms Lilford has also presented papers at the Hudson Strode Conference and the South Eastern Christian and Literature Conference as well as working on various theatrical productions.

Born in North Carolina of South African descent, Ms. Lilford has lived in Uganda, Botswana, South Africa, and Trinidad before settling in Mount Vernon with her family in 2016, where she attended Brewton-Parker College as a dual enrollment student. She presently resides in Mount Vernon with her family and spends her free time watching old TV shows.

Linda Armstrong

Academic Advising and Career Specialist

Linda Armstrong earned an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice Technology from Southeastern Technical College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Walden University. Throughout her career, Linda has worked with diverse populations, including at-risk youth and families and youth in crisis because of mental health and other issues. Her empathetic nature has made her an effective advocate for those in need. In addition to her professional work, Linda is also is committed to volunteerism. She has dedicated countless hours as a youth mentor, and to teaching about her faith at various Christian organizations. She believes in the power of positivity and its ability to transform not only her life but also the lives of others.

"If you must look back, do so forgivingly. If you will look forward, do so prayerfully. But the wisest course would be to be present in the present gratefully." ~ Maya Angelou

Willie Ford

Academic Advising and Career Specialist

Greetings, Baron Nation!

It's truly a joy to be back in a place that has shaped me so profoundly. I'm Willie Ford, a proud 2022 graduate of historic Brewton-Parker College, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a Minor in Education. Following my graduation, I embarked on a journey in education, teaching Special Education within the Vidalia City School District. In addition to my role as an educator, I had the privilege of serving as the Unit Director at the J.D. Rabun Boys and Girls Club. All the while, I was honored to pastor at the esteemed New Hope Baptist Church of Rhine, Georgia. With God's grace, I managed these responsibilities, and now, I'm thrilled and ready to contribute to the welfare of our students, aiming to inspire through service.

Dusty Arnold

Mental Health Counselor

Dusty Arnold  is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst as well as a BPC alumnus. He has years of experience working with a variety of mental health issues including anxiety, grief, and challenges related to Autism. He specializes in behavior-related interventions that can help college students build on their strengths to set achievable goals while also learning how to deal with the thoughts and feelings that sometimes get in the way. He incorporates Biblical values and evidence-based treatments to meet students wherever they happen to be on their journey to spiritual and psychological health. 

Carl Anthony "Tony" Wardlaw

Assistant Student Enrichment Director & Student Success Coach

Carl Anthony “Tony” Wardlaw – For over 25 years, Dr. Wardlaw has worked in leadership, counseling, and pastoring. Beginning with working in middle management for a manufacturing company in Douglas, GA, Dr. Wardlaw has also worked in the academic, nonprofit, public, and private sectors. Additionally, he served over 7 years in the United States Military as a Military Intelligence Officer before resigning his commission as a Captain in the Army.

Currently serving as the Assistant Director of the Student Enrichment Center, Student Success Coach, and Adjunct Faculty at Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon, GA, he also serves as the Pastor of The Green Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Dublin, GA.

As a member of the renowned International Gospel Singing Group, The Wardlaw Brothers, Dr. Wardlaw has traveled all over the nation and abroad ministering and singing the Gospel of Christ Jesus. Dr. Wardlaw has served as a consultant for various agencies and has worked as a Fatherhood Coordinator and G.E.D. instructor within the Technical College System of Georgia and participates in local and national civic and philanthropic work.

Dr. Wardlaw holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in International Business from the University of Georgia, two master's degrees from Troy University (Master of Science in Clinical Counseling and Psychology and Master of Education in Counseling), and a Doctorate in Education from Argosy University in Organizational Leadership. Dr. Wardlaw is a Lifetime Silver Member of The NAACP and a member of The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He is happily married to the former Mrs. Stephanie Scott. They have 3 Children; Chambria, Marc, and Carleigh.

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