2021 Youth Poetry Contest
The West Florida Literary Federation (WFLF) cares about the students of Northwest Florida, and along with their teachers, encourages them to participate in our 2021 youth poetry contest titled “Unmuted Voices.”
This year we are offering middle and high school students three writing choices that will empower their creativity, let them share their voices, and contribute to their language development. Students can select one of these themes for their poems:
Hope and Healing
Changes and Challenges
Mirrors/Windows/Views
As many WFLF members are current or former teachers, we want to ease the participation of classroom teachers by providing a videotaped lesson that they can use to introduce this contest and help students begin their poems. This lesson will complement the literary arts curriculum and help students achieve the Florida standards for writing skills.
Prizes will be awarded, and an awards ceremony will be held in April for National Poetry Month.
Please click here for a downloadable entry form.
Classroom teachers, please contact Karen Morris at kmacnolia@yahoo.com if you wish to receive the video.
WFLF’s Youth Poetry Contest Committee
Charline Barger
Mandy Fernandez
Marc Livanos
Claire Massey
Karen Morris
Lisa Rawson
Jeannie Zokan
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
2021 Unmuted Voices Youth Poetry Contest
Where can I find an entry form for my student?
The 2021 entry form can be found here.
What are this year’s themes?
Hope and Healing, Changes and Challenges, Mirrors/Windows/Views
Who can participate?
All public, private, or home-schooled Escambia and Santa Rosa County students in grades 6-12.
What prizes will be awarded?
First place ($50), second place ($30) and third place ($15), and up to 5 honorable mentions will be awarded in two categories: high school and middle school. An Awards Ceremony/Poetry Reading for winning poets, their families, and their friends will be held in April, National Poetry Month.
What are the criteria for judging?
How well your poem:
…is original, a product of your own experience, observations, and world
…shows evidence of poetic elements
…uses vivid, sensory language and imagery
…uses correct grammar and spelling
…adheres to the theme
…is one page or less
…has overall effectiveness and impact
When is the entry deadline?
Your poem and contest entry form must be received by Monday, March 1, 2021.
If I have questions, is there someone I can contact?
Lisa Rawson (850 982-8736 or at mandydakota2015@gmail.com)
WFLF members publish their work and learn about other opportunities for publishing in the monthly newsletter, The Legend.
