Howard Co. Student Wins The Nation's Highest Undergraduate Literary Honor

CLARKSVILLE, Md. (WJZ)-- A huge honor for a student from Howard County. Kathryn Manion is the winner of the largest undergraduate literary prize in the nation.

Mary Bubala has more on the high achiever.

Manion, a native of Clarksville, won just over $58,000. Her literary portfolio was chosen from 35 others at Washington College.

"To all the finalists up here, we have all had a creative writing class with each and every one of them and I can speak for the tremendous amount of talent I am a part of," Manion said.

The literary prize was established by a gift from Sophie Kerr-- a writer who died in 1965-- leaving the bulk of her estate to Washington College.

Manion took the prize based on four short stories and an excerpt of her thesis.

She thanked her family for their support.

"To my family and friends, mom for always believing in me, and Casey, dad for always encouraging me to continue writing and to win the Sophie," Manion said.

Manion will receive the actual award during Washington College's graduation this Sunday.

Manion is a graduate of Notre Dame Prep in Towson.