2012 Young Poets Contest

Student rules and Registration (printable version)

Contest Rules

• Any student enrolled in grades 1-12 in a Berks County school or any home-schooled student in Berks County may enter the contest

• Poems may be written on any subject, but they be only one page in length. No art should accompany the poem, nor should the poem be pasted on colored paper.

• Poems must be typed or written neatly. (On 8½ x 11 paper, except for primary students)

• The student's NAME, GRADE, and SCHOOL must appear in the upper right hand corner of the poem.

• Each poem must have a student registration form stapled on top of the poem.

• Each student may submit only one poem.

• Poems may be submitted through a school or a library.

• Each school should choose one coordinator who will be the contact person for the contest and be responsible to see that the rules are followed and the poem turned in on time.

• All poems become the property of the Reading Public Library and will not be returned. The Reading Public Library retains the first rights for publication of prize-winning poems.

• All poems must be postmarked by January 31, 2012. This is a change from last year.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ANY OF THE RULES WILL RESULT IN A STUDENTS DISQUALIFICATION

Prizes

1. Three winners (First, Second, and Third Places) will be chosen for each grade level.

2. Three honorable mention winners will also be chosen for each grade level and receive a certificate.

3. The first, second, and third place winners will receive a monetary award, a certificate, a ribbon, and a copy of the Young Poets 2012 booklet and be asked to read their poems aloud at a Poetry Celebration in April 2012.

Judging

1. Judging will be done by a panel of English teachers and professors, and poets.

2. Poems will be judged by grade level.

3. Poems will be scored on the basis of creativity, vocabulary, and creative expression.

4. Decisions of the judges are final.

The winners of the contest will be announced in March 2012. A Poetry Celebration for the winners will be held in April 2012.

Mail poems to:

YOUNG POETS 2012

READING PUBLIC LIBRARY

100 SOUTH FIFTH STREET

READING PA 19602