Inaugural Grunow Writer’s Prize winner will pursue a career in journalism
Being the inaugural winner of the Grunow Writer’s Prize in Community-Engaged Writing – which is part of the newly-renamed Francis G. Barrett Creative Writing Contest with the Larry Colter Poetry Prize and Grunow Writer’s Prize – was an unexpected thrill and honor for HFC student Regina Mareglia.
“I work as a nanny and have a 3-year-old son. It was early in the morning and I was at home, waiting for the kids to arrive when I checked my email and got the news that I won,” recalled Margelia, of Detroit. “I was shocked and excited that my work had gotten recognition. I take the opportunity to hold the reader's attention very seriously, and to think that the fantastic educators at HFC saw value in my writing beyond coursework was a big thrill.”
Started in news writing with the award-winning Mirror News
Mareglia’s article, “No Kings, and No Common Cause: The Movement Claiming to Fight Against Oligarchy Has Yet to Decide What It Wants Instead”, was initially published in The Mirror News, HFC’s award-winning student-run newspaper. HFC English instructor and The Mirror News faculty advisor Dr. Peter Kim – Mareglia’s mentor – encouraged her to enter the story for the Grunow Writer’s Prize.
This award is named after retired English instructor and community activist Geraldine Grunow. Kim and fellow HFC English instructor Dr. Chelsea Lonsdale initiated this award in Grunow’s honor. Lonsdale was impressed by Mareglia’s article and believed she was the best choice to win the first award.
“I’m excited to read more of Regina’s work!” said Lonsdale.
Mareglia will apply the Grunow Writer’s Prize winnings toward her tuition. She also received a commemorative a plaque. She was delighted to recently meet Grunow in person at the Barrett Awards Ceremony. And Grunow couldn’t have been happier that Mareglia was the first recipient of her namesake award.
“I enjoyed meeting Regina and reading her articles on The Mirror News website,” said Grunow. “I look forward to reading her upcoming work in other publications after she graduates from HFC.”
Mareglia is studying journalism and philosophy at HFC. She plans to transfer to Wayne State University in 2027, where she will complete work on her bachelor's degree, majoring in journalism and minoring in philosophy.
“I do feel HFC is preparing me academically for when I transfer,” said Mareglia. “Being at HFC has challenged me to fully articulate my thoughts while being held to a high standard of credibility and factual basis.”
Motivated to bring credibility to journalism
Mareglia was inspired to pursue a career in journalism for many reasons.
“Many writers, historians, and philosophers I deeply admire write for The Atlantic, and I want to follow in their footsteps,” said Mareglia. “Also, witnessing the degradation of norms, laws, civic life, public discourse, and the information landscape more generally, along with the normalization of bigotry, has been a huge motivation. All of these factors speak to misinformation being more persuasive than reality. I want to better understand how to climb out of this era where disinformation can seem more compelling than truth.”
Perhaps the greatest motivation of all is her son.
“Seeing the way that public and private discourse devolved into moral inversion motivated me to finally pursue higher education,” she explained. “I didn’t want to be another person spouting ‘hot takes’ or merely reposting others' views. So I decided to pursue journalism, which I had contemplated since childhood. I wanted to have a solid foundation to push back against the extremism that has been normalized on all sides – both domestically and abroad.”
Mareglia aspires to write for The Atlantic and teach at the university level. She would also like to host her own radio show or podcast. Kim has no doubt she’ll achieve all of these goals.
“Regina is the perfect inaugural winner of the Grunow Writer’s Prize,” said Kim. “She possesses skills that take seasoned journalists years to hone. She stands out for her intellect, courage, and determination. This is the first of many awards I expect Regina will earn as she continues developing her craft and nurturing her talents."