On Friday April 19th, Friends of the Library had their annual dinner and recognized this year’s Orr Essay contest winners. We had some amazing live jazz music performed by Eastern’s very own David Bryant and Teresa Moyer with additional accompaniment by Teresa’s husband, Stephen. It was a wonderful, fun evening! Here is this year’s essay question:

“Jazz is a uniquely American music.  It arose through the African American experience in the American South and spread worldwide as an art form.  Jazz touches the human soul in many ways. Discuss the spiritual dimensions of jazz as an avenue for human and divine connections.”

Listed below are the winners. Click on a name to read their essay.

First place: Chris Bernhard
Second place: Abigail Storch
Third place: Cassandra Rauch

Congratulations to all our winners!

Photos from this year’s dinner

Many thanks to Ted Merriman who took such great photos and video during the event. Thanks Ted!