As a tribute to National Poetry Month, emerging poets will have the chance to enter their work in a poetry contest.
The deadline for the ninth annual contest, sponsored by Phoenix Rising Art Enterprises Inc. and the Center for Primary Care, is Tuesday. All submitted poems must be postmarked by that date.
"It stems from the National Poetry Month celebration that's put on by the Academy of American Poets," said Lucinda Clark, the managing publisher of PRA Publishing.
The contest is open to middle and high school students in addition to emerging adult poets. Entries can come from surrounding counties, and all submitted works should be family-friendly, Clark said.
A ceremony will be held April 25 at 4 p.m. at the Columbia County Library for contest winners, who will be notified by mail by April 13.
Clark said the cash prizes have been increased.
In each category, a prize of $75 will be issued to the first-place winner; $50 for the second-place winner; $35 for the third-place winner; and $25 for honorable mention.
Winners will have the opportunity to read their poems at the Arts in the Heart festival held in downtown Augusta in September.
Contest entries should include two copies, one with the poet's identifying information and age and one without, and should be sent to P.O. Box 211701, Martinez, Ga., 30917. Each contestant can enter no more than three poems.
Entries can be printed or legibly hand-written, Clark said.
To receive a submission form, visit the Columbia County Library at 7022 Evans Town Center Blvd., or download a copy at www.prapublishing.com. For information, contact Clark at info@prapublishing.com or (630) 597-0548.
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