1. Academics
  2. Department of English
  3. Student Awards and Honors

Student Awards and Honors

Scholarships

Sophie Kerr Scholarships in English literature are four-year $1,500 tuition scholarships for incoming first-year students interested in literature and writing. Students must be considering a major in English or minors in creative writing or journalism, editing, and publishing. Sophie Kerr scholars get to meet writers who visit campus and participate fully in the writing life at Washington College. Sophie Kerr scholarships, offered to incoming first-year students, are renewable annually for four years.

Sophie Kerr Promise Grants

These grants support Washington College English majors in their pursuit of experiential learning and professional opportunities in a variety of literary endeavors:  internships, study abroad and unique summer learning opportunities, independent research and scholarship, graduate and professional school preparation.

Students who are declared English majors may apply for financial support for eligible projects and expenses, up to a total of $3,000 over the course of their time at the College. Individual grants typically range from $500 to $1,000. Students may apply for multiple grants while enrolled, and can use the funds for multiple purposes. Students are strongly encouraged to work with their faculty advisor to determine the best use of the grant(s).  Students will be required to submit receipts and a brief report about the experience at the conclusion of their project(s). Awards will be based on the project proposed, the funds available and/or previously awarded, and may be subject to financial aid eligibility.

  • Books and materials for research projects or independent study
  • Research travel expenses
  • Conference registration fees and/or travel expenses
  • Study abroad/Summer course fees and/or travel expenses
  • Off-campus study fees
  • Internship support
  • Graduate/Professional School: application and testing fees

Application forms must be submitted with your academic advisor's signature/endorsement. Also include an itemized budget. 

Submit to: englishdeptFREEwashcoll

Deadlines:

  • April 1 for FIRST ROUND of Summer Projects/Internships
  • April 30 for SECOND ROUND of Summer Projects/Internships
  • August 15 for Fall Projects/Internships
  • December 15 for Spring Projects/Internships
     Application Materials 

Honor Society

Sigma Tau Delta is an international English Honor Society for students who excel in the study of English language and literature.

This honor society offers students opportunities to enrich their education and careers. The Alpha Mu Nu chapter at Washington College is headed by Professor Katherine Charles.

Awards

Sophie Kerr Prize

Each year, the Sophie Kerr Committee, made up of English department faculty and the College president,  confer the Sophie Kerr Prize to the graduating senior showing the greatest potential for future achievement in a literary endeavor.

Learn more about the Sophie Kerr prize

Bennett Lamond Senior Capstone Award in English  

Awarded annually to a student with a superior senior capstone in the Department of English.  Given in memory of beloved Washington College English Professor Bennett Lamond, the $500 award is judged by department faculty.

Emil J. C. Hildenbrand Memorial Medal  

Awarded to the senior who attains the highest average in English during the four years of study. Given by the Washington, D.C., Chapter of the Alumni Association.  

Maureen Jacoby Prize  

Awarded to the graduating senior who has demonstrated dedication to student publications at Washington College and has strong potential for a future in the field of editing or publishing.  

Writers' Union Award  

Given for outstanding service to the Writers' Union. A gift of Robert L. Chamberlin, Jr. '48 in memory of Mary Lou Chamberlin '49.  

Student Awards and Honors