Co-sponsored by MoSt (Modesto Stanislaus Poetry Center) and the National League of American Pen Women (NLAPW), Modesto chapter.
This contest is offered as a means of encouraging young writers throughout Stanislaus County and as a way to remember poet Aileen Jaffa, the founding President of the Poets of the San Joaquin and member of the Modesto Branch of the National League of American Pen Women.
Eligibility and Deadline
Any student enrolled in a Stanislaus County school, grades K through 12, is eligible to submit up to 3 entries, at $1 per entry. Each entry, except for typing, must be the original creative work of the student, although parents or teachers may provide encouragement.
Postmark deadline for submissions is April 4, 2025. Mail submissions to MoSt Poetry, P.O. Box 578940, Modesto, CA 95357. Please use the entry form [pdf].
For information, email MoSt Poetry.
Categories
Poems will be placed in categories according to the student’s year in school.
1. Grades K – 3 2. Grades 4 – 6 3. Grades 7 – 9 4. Grades 10 – 12
Judging and Entry Specifications
Poems will be judged by adult poets who are knowledgeable about young people’s work. Any poem that shows evidence of plagiarism will be disqualified. No simultaneous submissions. The poems you enter must not be submitted to other contests at the same time. Poems must not have been published nor winners in other poetry contests. Poems may be in any style, but no longer than 24 lines. Two copies of each poem must be submitted: one copy should contain the title and poem, but no identification of the author; the other copy should contain the student’s name and a copy of the entry form below, and the $1 entry fee.
Awards and Recognition
First, second, and third place winners in each category will receive cash awards from the MoSt Poetry Center. Prizes are: First Place $25, Second Place $15, Third Place $10. In addition, the Modesto Branch of the National League of American Pen Women will award a $60 Aileen Jaffa Outstanding Poem award in each of two combined categories, Categories 1 and 2, and Categories 3 and 4. The current president of the NLAPW Modesto chapter will present the awards, and the winning poems will be read at an Awards Ceremony (Date and time TBA) at the Carnegie Arts Center, 250 N. Broadway, Turlock.
For more information, contact info@mostpoetry.org.