March, 2019
The NSDA held a contest accepting essays, poems and artwork to be included in a collection to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the NSDA.
Poetry Winner: Jody Narayan
![](https://dysphonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Jody.jpg)
Her poem, SD Reflections, was loved by many during the voting. “I am so glad that my poem resonated with the SD community with whom I share a deeply felt life experience. My poem came from my heart and I’m very happy it was appreciated.”
Artwork Winner: Laura Rahuba
![](https://dysphonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Found-A-New-Voice_Laura-Rahuba-774x1024.jpg)
Laura submitted her original artwork titled: Found a New Voice (see image on left). Laura describes her journey: “Voice is a part of one’s identity. When I lost my natural speaking voice, I lost a part of myself. After the grief passed, I learned to love and accept my new voice, both literally and figuratively.”
Essay Winner: Jason Sherlock
![](https://dysphonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/JasonSherlock-1.jpg)
Jason’s essay is entitled, Journey of a High School Principal with SD. As Jason wrote “I will have spasmodic dysphonia for the rest of my life, but it does not define me. I am resigned that my voice will never again be perfect. However, this journey made me a better principal and has taught me that I have the strength, perseverance, and courage to accomplish anything.”
New Book Collection
![](https://dysphonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Celebrating-Our-Voice-Cover-Graphic-1.jpg)
The winning entries were included in the book, Celebrating Our Voice, published in April, 2019. The book is available for ordering.