The results are in - congratulations to the following students:

1st Place:  Chad Smith, "My heart's like the empty theater..."
2nd Place: Ryan Bryant "The Haunts of Poe"
3rd Place: Christine Bub "Rebirth"

Honorable mention:

Christine Aubert: There was a Child Went Forth

Josh Russell: Time

Patrick VanderPloeg: My Left Shoe

 

Go here to read these poems, and all of the students' entries!

 

Participating students must be currently enrolled in a high school in Wyoming County, home-schooled residents of Wyoming County, or residents of Wyoming County schooled outside of the county. The contest is for students in grades 9-12.

Participants may submit up to three poems which have not been submitted to this contest in a previous year. Length of each poem must not exceed 30 written lines. Criteria for entries are posted below.

Poems for the contest must be the original work of the student entering, and must be submitted to the Arts Council for Wyoming County by April 30, 2005. The contest will be judged by experienced writers and retired educators. All judging is blind and the decision of the judges is final.

The poetry submitted will be displayed on this website, both for the public to enjoy and our judges to access. Winners will be announced in May, 2005. Entering poetry into the contest constitutes your agreement that you will allow your poetry to be published on our website and in print materials for non-commercial purposes.

Read the Student's Work  

How to enter?

Criteria

Abby Sparling Memorial Awards

Poetry Links

 

Sponsored by the Arts Council for Wyoming County

Award Sponsors:

M&T Bank, Perry, NY

Bank of Castile

 

Abby Sparling Memorial Awards

The following awards will be presented in honor and in memory of Abby Sparling, "The Faerie Lady", who was a cherished member of the Wyoming County arts community who passed away in 2003. Through these awards, the Arts Council hopes to recognize the spirit of creativity, which Abby inspired in those whose lives she touched, and which will ever continue through the inspired efforts of our county's young people. 

First Prize: $50.00 cash and a $50.00 Savings Bond from the
Bank of Castile

Second Prize: $25.00 cash and a $50.00 Savings Bond from
M&T Bank

Third Prize: $25.00 cash

Plus - Recognition for all who submit work!

The poetry submitted will be displayed on our website, for the public to enjoy.  Read all of the students' entries here.

 

 

CRITERIA

Judges will consider the following when selecting the winning poems:


Aptness of title - The title chosen reveals that the poet knows and cares about the topic of the poem.

Impact - The poem evokes a response in the reader, appealing to the emotions, senses and intellect.

Creativity - Originality of subject or theme; unique use of poetic elements such as figurative language, imagery or rhyme.

Cohesiveness - Development of theme (the meaning of the poem): The poem's unity, clarity and completeness.

Craftsmanship - The poet uses language in a fresh way, avoiding clichés and forced rhyme; pays attention to the sound of the words; and uses language precisely and economically, maintaining a consistent voice. Includes aptness of phrase, assonance, alliteration, rhythmic quality, absence of redundancy.

 

Hear are some good sites to visit to learn more about poetry: