2023 Student Poetry Contest

Words from Carl Sandburg's The People Yes, Stanza 16.

NPS Photo

Welcome to the 25th Anniversary of the Carl Sandburg Student Poetry Contest!

Students are invited to submit a poem to Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site’s annual Student Poetry Contest. The contest encourages youth to explore writing their own poetry, and is open to students nationwide!

• Submissions are accepted from grades 3-12 and must be submitted by March 1, 2023. See below for submission rules.
• Winners will be notified by April 7, 2023, and will be invited to participate in a special virtual program on Sunday, April 23, 2023..

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2023 Contest Rules

2023 Theme - "HOPE"

Carl Sandburg wrote countless words in an array of different genres, including poetry, children's stories, journal articles, as well as a biography and autobiography! He wrote of love and nature, dreams and struggles. This year's theme of "Hope" is echoed in much of his works. "Away deep in my heart now I had hope as never before. Struggles lay ahead, I was sure, but whatever they were I would not be afraid of them," from Always the Young Strangers by Carl Sandburg.

Poems submitted for the 2023 contest should reflect the theme of "Hope." By definition, a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen:

Submission Rules

• Poetry accepted from 3-12th grades only. Poems will be grouped for judging by 3-5th, 6-8th, and 9-12th.
• Poems must be submitted by a teacher (traditional classroom or homeschool teacher).
• No more than three poems per class. Teachers with multiple classes, can submit up to three poems per class period.
• Poem will be judged on its ability to communicate the theme.
• Poem can be written in any style, but must not exceed one-page in length. No illustrations.
• Poems must be typed, no handwritten entries, using standard computer fonts, like Times, Arial, etc...
• Do not place any identifying information (name, school, grade, etc...) on poem sheet.
• Complete and submit this form.

Judging
Judges from the literary community will make the decision for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place within each grade category (3-5th, 6-8th, 9-12th).

Poetry Partners
The 2023 Poetry Contest is a result of tremendous community support including the Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara, and literary volunteers who serve as judges. Thank you!

Poetry Resources
You may also find curriculum resources to use in the classroom at the park’s website: www.nps.gov/carl/learn/education/index.htm.