Poem written by BC3 alumna recognized in national publication

February 8, 2016

(Butler, PA) Butler County Community College (BC3) Alumna, Rhiannon “Nikki” Martin, was featured in Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s literary anthology, Nota Bene, her poem “Eliot Said April is the Cruelest Month…” was published in the 2015 edition. Phi Theta Kappa’s Nota Bene recognizes outstanding writing from members across the nation. The first issue of Nota Bene was published in 1994 and has been published annually ever since.

Nikki Martin, a native of East Brady, PA, and 2013 graduate of Karns City High School, has a lot to be proud of at the age of 21-years-old. She graduated from BC3 in the spring of 2015 with an Associate in Arts Degree in English. She has future plans to get her Bachelor’s degree and would love to work in editing or publishing.

Regarding her honorable feature in Phi Theta Kappa’s Nota Bene, Nikki had this to say, "It is very humbling to see such a personal poem of mine printed in such a prestigious publication. This poem was not just an elegy, but a dramatic monologue; my means of personal catharsis in the face of a tragedy..."

Nikki would also like to thank Mr. Eric Pedersen, a former English professor at BC3, for his constant encouragement and support of her writing and personal growth.

The purpose of the Rho Phi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at BC3 is to recognize and encourage scholarship among two-year college students. Phi Theta Kappa provides: opportunity for leadership and service, the exchange of ideas and ideals, fellowship for scholars, and stimulation of interest in continuing academic excellence.