BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University's Center for Judaic, Holocaust and Peace Studies (CJHPS) has announced the recipients of their 2024-25 Academic Honors Awards.
Established in 2021, the CJHPS Academic Honors Awards celebrate and honor (1) an App State student in a Judaic, Holocaust and Peace Studies cross-listed class, and/or (2) an App State student who has otherwise engaged in and completed exceptional research and/or artistic endeavors directly related to Judaic, Holocaust, Genocide or Peace Studies during this academic year. The first-place award includes a $250 cash prize and the runner-up award includes a $100 cash prize. The recipient may also be invited to present their work at a future Center event.
Congratulations to both award recipients!
1st Place Award: Jackson Adams
Adams, a senior political science major from Waxhaw, received first place for his paper, titled, "Standing Stereotypes at the Supreme Court: The Misrecognition and Dehumanized Portrayals of Native Americans in Law and its Resistance in Film." Adams' submission was advised by Dr. Nancy Love, professor of political science in App State's Department of Government and Justice Studies.
"This article analyzes how stereotypes of Native Americans, mischaracterized in early American literature and colonial discourse, influenced the U.S. Supreme Court’s decisions in the Marshall Trilogy," explained Adams. "Drawing on Michel Foucault’s theory of discourse and George Pappas’ scholarship, this research demonstrates that the Court’s incorporation of harmful stereotypes into its rulings continues to shape contemporary legal decisions on Indigenous sovereignty. In response to this legally validated misrecognition, this research also emphasizes how contemporary Indigenous-centered films can act as counter-discourses to challenge and resist the entrenched legal and literary misrepresentations."
Dr. Davis Hankins, director of CJHPS and associate professor of religious studies in App State's Department of Philosophy and Religion, praised Adams' paper, writing, "Your paper offers insightful and careful consideration of (1) how restrictive literary tropes (2) found their way into legal decisions that (3) have and continue to negatively impact access to justice for indigenous inhabitants of the Americas, and then you (4) consider inconsistencies in the administration of justice and the legal discourse regarding indigenous rights, before finally (5) considering contemporary films that can be understood as resistance against such restrictive tropes. I finished your paper hoping that the arts might continue to influence the law, but now in the interest of justice and the dismantling of stereotypes perpetuating injustice."
Runner-Up Award: Sydney Hudson
Hudson, a junior religious studies and Spanish and Hispanic studies major from Davidson, received the runner-up award for her paper, titled, "Preserving Jewish Art." Hudson's submission was advised by Dr. Stephanie Yep, assistant professor of religious studies in App State's Department of Philosophy and Religion.
"My paper discusses how Jewish art nourishes a more complete version of the Jew’s experience in the context of genocide," explained Hudson. "I analyze works from David Blumenthal, Debra Dwork and Robert Van Pelt, scholars of Judaic Studies, as well as Primo Levi, a Jewish poet killed during the Holocaust. My paper aims to look at art on a deeper level, delving into questions such as 'How can art be a medium of moving forward?' and 'What does art tell us about YHWH?'"
Dr. Hankins complemented Hudson's paper, writing, "Your paper offers insightful reflections on the use of scripture and the arts by different Jewish victims and survivors to articulate grief and express hope in the midst and aftermath of the hopeless and unspeakable horrors of the Shoah."
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About the Center for Judaic, Holocaust and Peace Studies
Appalachian State University’s Center for Judaic, Holocaust and Peace Studies was established in 2002 to develop new educational opportunities for students, teachers and the community. Located administratively within the College of Arts and Sciences, the center’s vision promotes tolerance, understanding and respect for all human life. To accomplish this vision, the center works to strengthen tolerance, understanding and remembrance by increasing the knowledge of Jewish culture and history, teaching the history and meaning of the Holocaust and utilizing these experiences to explore peaceful avenues for human improvement and the prevention of further genocides. Learn more at holocaust.appstate.edu.
By Lauren Gibbs
May 6, 2025
BOONE, N.C.
Jackson Adams (left) and Sydney Hudson (right)
Jackson Adams (left) and Sydney Hudson (right)