The South Carolina State Library is organizing a poetry contest for South Carolina students, including homeschool students, in grades 3 -12.
First, second, and third place winners will be selected for the following groups:
Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12. Winners and their families will be invited to the State Library April 1 to read their poems, and have an opportunity to meet Jacquline Woodson, this year's Arbuthnot Lecturer.
Additionally, teachers who are able to verify all students in a class have submitted poetry, may use the verification link on the webpage for a chance to receive a classroom set of books. One set per age grouping will be made available.
For more details and submission guidelines please visit their contest page. For other questions, please contact SCSL Learning Experiences Coordinator Pamela Hoppock at 803-734-8646.
About the Contest
In her biographical book of poems, "Brown Girl Dreaming," Jacqueline Woodson speaks about important moments from her childhood and the challenges she faced growing up in the South and New York City. She shares her love for her grandparents, talks about inspirational historical figures, tells us how she grew to love writing, and talks about some of her best friendships.
Each of us faces unique challenges growing up. We each dream about our futures and look to those around us to help us make sense of life.
In a poem style of your choice, tell of a person, place, or an experience that has made a mark on your life and how it has helped shape your dreams.
Submission Guidelines
- For South Carolina students, including homeschool students, in grades 3-12. First, Second and Third Place winners will be selected for the following groups: Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, and Grades 9-12.
- All entries must be the student’s original work.
- Previously published poems in other contests, books, magazines, or other publications are not eligible for submission.
- In order to give appropriate consideration to all entries, only one entry per student can be accepted.
- Submissions with profanity or graphic content cannot be accepted.
- Stories may be legibly handwritten or typed, one sided. If typed, use Time News Roman, Arial, or Calibri font, point size 12.
- Include your name, grade, school, and teacher’s name on the back of your poem if submitting as part of a class.
- Students must get their parents/guardians to also sign a permission slip stating that they are allowed to participate. Download the permission slip here, sign and date (electronic signatures are accepted), and then scan it back in to upload with the form below.
- Teachers who can verify that all students in their classroom submitted a poem will be eligible to win a classroom set of books. If you are eligible, please fill out the teacher verification form here. One set of books per group is being offered.
If you are interested in submitting a poem, please complate the registration below. All entries must be submitted by 6:00 p.m. on Friday, March 3, 2017.
