Calling all aspiring young poets! The Society of Classical Poets (SCP) is delighted to announce its annual International High School Poetry Competition. This prestigious competition offers high school and elementary school students, or anyone aged 19 or younger, a chance to showcase their poetic talent on a global stage. Embrace the challenge of classical poetry and compete for exciting prizes and recognition.
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Competition Details
This competition celebrates the art of metrical poetry. Whether you’re a seasoned poet or just starting your journey, we encourage you to participate. Here’s what you need to know:
Theme and Length:
The competition welcomes poems on any topic. Let your imagination run wild! However, submissions must adhere to a maximum of 50 lines.
Meter Requirement:
Poems must be written in meter. A simple way to fulfill this requirement is to count the syllables in each line and ensure a similar count throughout the poem. Need help with meter? Check out these helpful resources:
- Beginner’s Guide to Iambic Meter: https://classicalpoets.org/2012/09/07/writing-classical-poetry-is-easy-technically/
- Comprehensive Guide to Meter: https://classicalpoets.org/2016/01/29/how-to-write-poetry-with-meter/
- Guide to Poetry Forms: https://classicalpoets.org/2021/05/31/teaching-classical-poetry-a-simple-guide-for-educators/
Important Note: The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, including ChatGPT and similar programs, is strictly prohibited in the creation of submitted poems.
Submission Guidelines:
- Format: Submit your poem as a Word file (doc or docx) or directly in the email body.
- Email: Send your submission to [email protected]
- Subject Line: “High School Poetry Competition”
- Essential Information: Include your grade level, high school name, and the name of the individual who made the payment (if different from the submitter).
- Fee: $5 per poem (includes a free subscription to the SCP monthly e-Newsletter). You may submit up to three poems.
Prizes and Recognition
First Prize:
- $200
- Publication on the Society of Classical Poets website and in The Society of Classical Poets Journal (https://classicalpoets.org/journal/)
Important Dates:
- Deadline: December 31, 2024, 11:59 p.m. EST
- Winner Announcement: February 1, 2025 (via e-Newsletter and SCP homepage)
Judging and Eligibility
The competition will be judged by Evan Mantyk, editor of the Society of Classical Poets Journal and website, and a teacher of literature and history (https://classicalpoets.org/evan-mantyk-president-of-the-society/).
The competition is open to high school and elementary school students, or anyone 19 years of age or younger, from any country and background. International winners (outside the United States) will require a PayPal account to receive the prize money.
Additional Information
- Poems must be written in 2024.
- Previously published poems are accepted.
- Simultaneous submissions are allowed.
- Past First Place winners are ineligible to participate.
- SCP Membership is not required.
- You retain ownership of your poem. By submitting, you grant SCP permission to publish it online (website, journal, promotional materials) but not to sell it individually. You retain all other rights.
Past Winners:
Explore the work of previous winners for inspiration: 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 20162015201420132012
Poetry Writing Resources
Looking for additional guidance? Visit our poetry writing resources page: https://classicalpoets.org/2021/05/31/teaching-classical-poetry-a-simple-guide-for-educators/
We look forward to reading your submissions!