Flagler College Department of English

We were deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of Michael Benton (Class of 2024) on May 20th. Michael was an English major on the Creative Writing track, a regular performer at department open mics, and an editor for FLARE: The Flagler Review. He made many close friends while at Flagler College, and he was a kind, generous, and humorous presence in the classroom. We offer our heartfelt condolences to his parents, Kathleen and Bryan Benton, and to all his friends and family. Michael will be greatly missed.

A service takes place this Friday at 1:00 pm at Mandarin Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville. For more details, and to read Michael’s obituary, please see: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/jacksonville-fl/michael-benton-12905075

Please join us in congratulating the Class of 2026 English majors and minors. You've all done a tremendous job, and we're so proud of you! We'll be cheering you on as you march at graduation today to collect your degrees! 🎓

Congratulations to Sarah Clayton, Rebecca Frank, and Victoria Jackson on their English Department awards for academic achievement! These students have distinguished themselves for their work and have been recognized by faculty as deserving of this distinction. The top Distinguished Major Award goes to Sarah Clayton! We are so proud of you all for your accomplishments!

Many thanks to all who attended the Creative Writing capstone reading at Markland House yesterday! Presenters were Sarah Clayton, Haley Butzer-Collins, Luke Ferreira, Hillary Neumann, Rachael Normann, and Jaden Rudd, reading an assortment of poetry, CNF, and fiction from their portfolios produced during their time at Flagler College. We were so impressed by all of you!

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Meet junior Selah Hassel, Class of 2027. Selah’s an English major on the Literature track with a minor in Creative Writing. She’s a staff writer for StrikeMagazine, a poetry editor for FLARE: The Flagler Review, a brand ambassador/columnist for Loving Our Town Magazine, and LOT After Hours. She also works at the Roosevelt Room as a server and event coordinator. Selah’s autobiographical piece, “Finding My Minorcan Identity,” was recently published in the Minorcan Studies Project. When asked about her favorite authors, Selah says, “While I really enjoy the works of James Baldwin and Laura Gilpin, I have to say my all-time favorite writers are authors who write children’s books, such as Daniel Handler and Shel Silverstein. Their ability to navigate the simplicity of language and the dark, complex world in an innocent way has always fascinated me. My goal in writing is to be able to write as universally as these authors.” After graduation, she will be applying to several graduate programs for creative writing. Selah says the best part about studying English at Flagler College is “how much room there is to grow. I have become much more confident in my writing and myself since starting here, and I think part of that has to do with getting to know my professors as rounded individuals and being seen as more than just a number.” Selah, we wish you all the best in your continuing studies. Have a great summer!

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Thanks to all who attended the second session of Senior Seminar presentations on the work of David Lynch yesterday afternoon with Vic Jackson, Gianinna Fierro, and Felicity Santos in the Flagler Room. We’re so glad you could join us, and so proud of our scholars!

Thank you all so much for your video contributions to our National Poetry Month reading series. You chose some great poems to share! We'll be back to celebrate poetry next April in our eighth year of this event!

The launch party for the 37th issue of Flare: The Flagler Review takes place this Friday, May 1st, from 5:00-7:00 pm at the Crisp-Ellert Art Museum. They’ll have free copies of the issue, readings, music by Phoebe Lutes, and refreshments. This co-curricular event is always a good time! C’mon by!

Thanks to all who attended the Senior Seminar presentations on David Lynch yesterday with Bri Lawhorn, Lauren Boonstra, and Selah Hassel. Session two takes place tomorrow in the Flagler Room at 3:30. C’mon by!