College Seeks Bucks County High School Poet Of The Year

NEWTOWN, PA — Creative young writers are encouraged to enter the 34th annual Bucks County High School Poet of the Year contest.

Students have until Friday, March 19, to submit three original poems, according to Dr. Ethel Rackin, director of the Bucks County Poet Laureate Program, which runs the contest.

“Bucks County Community College has been giving young poets that outlet since 1988 by sponsoring the annual High School Poet of the Year Competition,” Rackin said. “Each year, scores of young poets from across the county send us their best work to be read, honored, and celebrated. It’s no wonder the competition resides at Bucks, for this place has long been a haven for poetry. This is a place for readers and writers, speakers and audiences, those taking first steps on this path, and those whose feet know each turn.”

The contest is open to high schoolers of all grade levels who live in the county or attend a Bucks County high school. Home-schooled students can also enter.

In addition to the $300 cash prize, the winner receives a proclamation from the Bucks County commissioners and the opportunity to read their poem aloud during an online celebration hosted by the college. Runners-up and finalists will also be invited.

Each participant must submit three original poems with a free entry form, online at bucks.edu/hspoetentry by 4 p.m. Friday, March 19. The contest will be judged by the current Bucks County Poet Laureate Jane Edna Mohler and the 2019 poet laureate Mary Jo LoBello Jerome.

To learn more about the Bucks County Poet High School Poet of the Year program, visit www.bucks.edu/poets. For more information, contact Dr. Ethel Rackin at ethel.rackin@bucks.edu.

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