Major poetry prize launches
The School of Humanities and Social Science is honoured to announce a major new poetry prize – the Karen Thrift Prize for Poetry and Lyrics.
The prize is open to all students and has been made possible thanks to a generous individual donation to the School in honour of Karen who is lovingly remembered as having inspired many through her teaching, song writing and her passion for life.
“The Karen Thrift Prize for Poetry and Lyrics seeks to recognise creativity, passion, intelligence – which are just some of the attributes Karen possessed,” Head of School, Professor Catharine Coleborne said.
Karen Elizabeth Thrift (1955-2016) spent much of her youth in Cooranbong. She is remembered for her all-round sporting ability, her happy disposition, quick wit and her willingness to confront perceived injustice and stand up for a fair deal. Karen began writing poignant and thoughtful songs while still in high school.
During her tertiary years, already a world citizen and independent thinker, Karen’s creativity and keen intelligence continued to be recognised by both fellow-students and faculty as she studied to become a teacher. While doing so she continued her song writing and eventually took a couple of years to work as a singer before becoming a full-time teacher, where students and colleagues loved her and were inspired by her at schools in Newcastle, Lismore and Sydney. Karen taught for 22 years at Northholm Grammar School in Sydney, many of them as Head of English.
Her overwhelming goal and mission as a teacher was to light the fires of creativity, share her love of literature, and she was passionate to hone the skills of every student in her classes.
“Karen made lasting impressions and we are so proud to be able to honour her memory through this prize,” Cathy said.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.