EUGENE–A University of Oregon graduate student is the first-place winner of the second annual "Northwest Perspectives" Essay Contest, sponsored by Oregon Quarterly, the magazine of the University of Oregon.

Eugene resident Corrina Wycoff, a Master of Fine Arts degree candidate in the Creative Writing Program from Chicago, won $500 and publication of her essay, "Another Oregon Trail," in the Summer 2001 issue of Oregon Quarterly.

Jane Kyle of Portland placed second with her essay, "Air, Earth, Fire, Water," and Bette Lynn Husted of Pendleton placed third with her essay, "Salmon Run." Kyle and Husted won gift certificates to the University of Oregon Bookstore.

The contest attracted nearly 80 entries from throughout the Northwest.

"We are thrilled and gratified by this response," says Oregon Quarterly editor Guy Maynard. "It shows us once again that the Northwest abounds with writers with intriguing stories to tell. I hope to see lots of people at our reading to hear the winning essays and to help us celebrate good writing."

All three winners will read their essays at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 24, in the Browsing Room of the Knight Library, 1501 Kincaid St. The reading is free and open to the public. Award-winning author Barry Lopez, who judged the contest, will introduce the winners. Maynard also will say a few words.

Lopez, winner of numerous awards including the prestigious National Book Award, is the author of 14 books, most recently the short-story collection, "Light Action in the Caribbean," and the essay collection, "About This Life."

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