Students in Action
Students Present and Learn at International Convention
RALEIGH, N.C. (April 10, 2026) - Wake Tech students Savanna Elaine Hermann and Mae Malhoit expanded their academic and professional experience at the national level while attending the 2026 Sigma Tau Delta International Convention in New Orleans.
Representing the college alongside English faculty advisors Professor Elena Fleggas and Associate Professor Melody Owens, the members of Wake Tech's Sigma Kappa Delta honor society for English and literature excellence joined peers and scholars from across the country for the annual gathering focused on scholarship, creative expression and professional development in English studies. The convention theme, Second Lines & New Beginnings, emphasized renewal, cultural engagement and diverse literary perspectives.
The students participated in panel sessions, readings and collaborative discussions, presenting original work, exchanging ideas with students from other institutions and strengthening skills in research, critical thinking and public speaking.
A highlight of the convention was the keynote address by Jesmyn Ward, a two‑time National Book Award winner whose work explores themes of race, community, trauma and resilience. Her remarks reinforced for students the power of literature to engage lived experience and examine complex social issues.
The New Orleans setting further enriched the experience, allowing participants to engage with the city's rich cultural and literary history. The conference marked an important academic milestone and an opportunity to extend classroom learning into a broader professional and cultural context.
