2008 Abby Sparling Memorial Poetry Contest for Wyoming County High School Students
 Grades 9-12

Student Poetry Submissions

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. 

Participants may submit one poem which has 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 4, 2008. 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 on May 2, 2008 7pm at the ACWC Gallery. 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.

How to enter?

Criteria

Poetry Links

 

Sponsored by the Arts Council for Wyoming County

 

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 lives she touched.  The spirit of creativity will continue through the inspired efforts of our county's young people. 

 

2008 Winners

1st Place:  The Cold Depths
Tom Daly  Grade 11,Pioneer High School
Received $100.00 Check from the ACWC and a $100.00 Savings Bond from the Bank of Castile.

2nd Place:
Christine Bub, Grade 11, Letchworth Central School
Received $50.00 check from the ACWC and a $50.00 Savings Bond from M&T Bank.

3rd Place:  Transformation of Self
Laura Aikins, Grade11, Perry High School

Received a $50.00 Check from the ACWC.

Awards sponsored by the ACWC, Bank of Castile, and M&T Bank.


The poetry submitted will be displayed on our website, for the public to enjoy.  Submissions will be posted when received.

 

 

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: