ABOUT OUR STUDENT CONTESTS
Poetry Society of Tennessee (PST) sponsors a contest open to all Tennessee students; non-residents may enter if they join PST as student members. The competition has three divisions: Elementary (Grades 2-5), Middle School (Grades 6-8), High School (Grades 9-12).
PRIZES & PUBLICATION
Prizes are given for top poems for each division. First place poems will be published in PST's Tennessee Voices Anthology, published in late summer annually. Where to buy.
WHY STUDENT CONTESTS?
One of PST's central values is to encourage young poets. The student contest is a way to engage young poets across Tennessee in the art and craft of poetry.
TENNESSEE STUDENT CONTEST HISTORY & LEADERSHIP
Long-time West Tennessee member Frances Cowden (1939-2025) was instrumental in establishing this student outreach program and for many years served as its Chair. Educator and poet Seth Grindstaff carried on this tradition as Student Contest Chair from 2020 to 2025. Educator and poet DeAnna Stephens serves as Student Contest Chair for 2025-2026.
Poetry Society of Tennessee (PST) sponsors a contest open to all Tennessee students; non-residents may enter if they join PST as student members. The competition has three divisions: Elementary (Grades 2-5), Middle School (Grades 6-8), High School (Grades 9-12).
PRIZES & PUBLICATION
Prizes are given for top poems for each division. First place poems will be published in PST's Tennessee Voices Anthology, published in late summer annually. Where to buy.
WHY STUDENT CONTESTS?
One of PST's central values is to encourage young poets. The student contest is a way to engage young poets across Tennessee in the art and craft of poetry.
TENNESSEE STUDENT CONTEST HISTORY & LEADERSHIP
Long-time West Tennessee member Frances Cowden (1939-2025) was instrumental in establishing this student outreach program and for many years served as its Chair. Educator and poet Seth Grindstaff carried on this tradition as Student Contest Chair from 2020 to 2025. Educator and poet DeAnna Stephens serves as Student Contest Chair for 2025-2026.
2025/2026 TENNESSEE STUDENT POETRY CONTEST
TENNESSEE STUDENT POETRY CONTESTS, BY DIVISION
● High School Division (Grades 9-12): one Free Verse poem
● Middle School Division (Grades 6-8): one Free Verse poem
● Elementary Division (Grades 2-5): one poem, any form
CONTEST AWARDS
Winners will be announced spring 2026 at www.poetrytennessee.org/pstcontests.
PST will issue cash prizes or equivalent: 1st $25 / 2nd $20 / 3rd $15 / 4th $10 / 5th $5. First place poems will be published in Tennessee Voices Anthology. The society reserves the right to publish all winning poems in online venues (e.g., blog, social media, digital journal).
GUIDELINES
1. All divisions are open for submissions through February 10, 2026.
2. The competition is free and open to all Tennessee students in grades 2-12. (Non-resident student members may also participate.)
a) Public, private, and home school students are eligible.
b) Each student may submit only one, original poem.
c) Work generated by AI is not accepted.
3. Formatting: Poems must meet format guidelines to be considered in the competition.
a) One poem on one page, single spaced, in Times News Roman font size 12.
b) Your poem must have a title.
c) Do not include any illustrations or pictures.
3. Submit two copies of your poem for judging purposes, one with identifying information and one without. (also, see examples at end of guidelines.)
Copy #1 (the “ID / information” copy)
The following information must be written on the top left corner of the paper above the poem:
division (elementary, middle, or high school) student’s first & last name
student’s grade
name of school
school street address
teacher’s prefix (Mr/Ms) & first & last name
teacher’s email
Copy #2 (the “poem only” copy) include the “division” (elementary, middle, or high school) in the top left corner of the paper above the poem. Do not include identifying information on the document or (in the case of digital submission) in the file name.
4. Submission Instructions
a. Entries for all divisions must be postmarked or submitted on or before February 10, 2026.
b. Student work will not be returned.
c. Submission by mail. ** NEW ADDRESS ** Mail entries to P.O. Box 3772 Johnson City TN 37662 to attention of STUDENT CONTEST CHAIR.
i. TEACHERS: If mailing in a class set, keep each student’s “copy 1” and “copy 2” paired together.
ii. PARENTS: If mailing for multiple children, keep each student’s “copy 1” and “copy 2” paired together.
d. Submission by email. ** NEW ** This year teachers and parents may submit student entries via email to [email protected]. We will also accept email entries directly from students aged 18 years or older. PST will acknowledge entry within 10 days of receipt.
i. FILE FORMATS. we will accept .docx, .doc, .rtf, and .pdf file types.
ii. FILE NAMES. We recommend the following file name structures for entries:
For copy 1 DIV_Poetlastname__Title (e.g., MS_Branson_Monday Mime).
For copy 2 DIV_Title (e.g., HS_Windy, EL_Clown Cars).
iii. TEACHERS. If emailing a class set, be sure to attach both “copy 1” and “copy 2” for each student entering. For subject line, use “<DIVISION> Submission(s)” (e.g., High School Submissions). In the body of the email, please list the name of each student entering.
iv. PARENTS. If emailing for multiple children, be sure to attach both “copy 1” and “copy 2” for each student entering. In the body of the email, please list the name of each student entering. For subject line, use “<DIVISION> Submission” (e.g., High School Submission). If submitting for multiple divisions, use / between divisions (e.g., Middle School / Elementary Submissions
v. STUDENTS (18 and older only). In the body of your email, acknowledge you meet our age restriction by including the following statement: “I am 18 years or older.” Be sure to attach both your copy 1 and copy 2. For subject line, use “<DIVISION> Submission” (e.g., High School Submission).
PRINTER-FRIENDLY COPY OF GUIDELINES
CONTEST DIRECTIONS CAN BE TRICKY! Get a helpful checklist:
CHECKLIST (.docx) CHECKLIST (PDF)
TENNESSEE STUDENT POETRY CONTESTS, BY DIVISION
● High School Division (Grades 9-12): one Free Verse poem
● Middle School Division (Grades 6-8): one Free Verse poem
● Elementary Division (Grades 2-5): one poem, any form
CONTEST AWARDS
Winners will be announced spring 2026 at www.poetrytennessee.org/pstcontests.
PST will issue cash prizes or equivalent: 1st $25 / 2nd $20 / 3rd $15 / 4th $10 / 5th $5. First place poems will be published in Tennessee Voices Anthology. The society reserves the right to publish all winning poems in online venues (e.g., blog, social media, digital journal).
GUIDELINES
1. All divisions are open for submissions through February 10, 2026.
2. The competition is free and open to all Tennessee students in grades 2-12. (Non-resident student members may also participate.)
a) Public, private, and home school students are eligible.
b) Each student may submit only one, original poem.
c) Work generated by AI is not accepted.
3. Formatting: Poems must meet format guidelines to be considered in the competition.
a) One poem on one page, single spaced, in Times News Roman font size 12.
b) Your poem must have a title.
c) Do not include any illustrations or pictures.
3. Submit two copies of your poem for judging purposes, one with identifying information and one without. (also, see examples at end of guidelines.)
Copy #1 (the “ID / information” copy)
The following information must be written on the top left corner of the paper above the poem:
division (elementary, middle, or high school) student’s first & last name
student’s grade
name of school
school street address
teacher’s prefix (Mr/Ms) & first & last name
teacher’s email
Copy #2 (the “poem only” copy) include the “division” (elementary, middle, or high school) in the top left corner of the paper above the poem. Do not include identifying information on the document or (in the case of digital submission) in the file name.
4. Submission Instructions
a. Entries for all divisions must be postmarked or submitted on or before February 10, 2026.
b. Student work will not be returned.
c. Submission by mail. ** NEW ADDRESS ** Mail entries to P.O. Box 3772 Johnson City TN 37662 to attention of STUDENT CONTEST CHAIR.
i. TEACHERS: If mailing in a class set, keep each student’s “copy 1” and “copy 2” paired together.
ii. PARENTS: If mailing for multiple children, keep each student’s “copy 1” and “copy 2” paired together.
d. Submission by email. ** NEW ** This year teachers and parents may submit student entries via email to [email protected]. We will also accept email entries directly from students aged 18 years or older. PST will acknowledge entry within 10 days of receipt.
i. FILE FORMATS. we will accept .docx, .doc, .rtf, and .pdf file types.
ii. FILE NAMES. We recommend the following file name structures for entries:
For copy 1 DIV_Poetlastname__Title (e.g., MS_Branson_Monday Mime).
For copy 2 DIV_Title (e.g., HS_Windy, EL_Clown Cars).
iii. TEACHERS. If emailing a class set, be sure to attach both “copy 1” and “copy 2” for each student entering. For subject line, use “<DIVISION> Submission(s)” (e.g., High School Submissions). In the body of the email, please list the name of each student entering.
iv. PARENTS. If emailing for multiple children, be sure to attach both “copy 1” and “copy 2” for each student entering. In the body of the email, please list the name of each student entering. For subject line, use “<DIVISION> Submission” (e.g., High School Submission). If submitting for multiple divisions, use / between divisions (e.g., Middle School / Elementary Submissions
v. STUDENTS (18 and older only). In the body of your email, acknowledge you meet our age restriction by including the following statement: “I am 18 years or older.” Be sure to attach both your copy 1 and copy 2. For subject line, use “<DIVISION> Submission” (e.g., High School Submission).
PRINTER-FRIENDLY COPY OF GUIDELINES
CONTEST DIRECTIONS CAN BE TRICKY! Get a helpful checklist:
CHECKLIST (.docx) CHECKLIST (PDF)
|
Example Copy #1
division (elementary, middle, or high school) student’s first & last name student’s grade name of school school street address teacher’s prefix (Mr/Ms) & first & last name teacher’s email Poem Title Poem Stanzas… |
Example Copy #2
division (elementary, middle, or high school) Poem title Poem stanzas… |
STUDENT MEMBERSHIP IN POETRY SOCIETY OF TENNESSEE
Students are invited to join the Poetry Society of Tennessee (PST) at a reduced rate. Click here for additional information on joining PST. This is a great opportunity to develop skills and become a published poet.
Students are invited to join the Poetry Society of Tennessee (PST) at a reduced rate. Click here for additional information on joining PST. This is a great opportunity to develop skills and become a published poet.
NATIONAL STUDENT POETRY CONTESTS
Annually, the National Federation of State Poetry Societies (NFSPS) sponsors the Manningham Trust Student Poetry Contest for middle and high school students. Students may enter other NFSPS contests exclusively for students; see the NFSPS contests page.
Annually, the National Federation of State Poetry Societies (NFSPS) sponsors the Manningham Trust Student Poetry Contest for middle and high school students. Students may enter other NFSPS contests exclusively for students; see the NFSPS contests page.
PREVIOUS TENNESSEE STUDENT CONTEST WINNERS
2024/2025 Student Contest Winners
2023/2024 Student Contest Winners
2022/2023 Student Contest Winners
2021/2022 Student Contest Winners
2020/2021 Student Contest Winners
2020/2021 Student Eye Poem Contest Winners - High School
2020/2021 Student Eye Poem Contest Winners - Middle School
2019/2020 Student Contest Winners
2019/2020 Student Eye Poem Contest Winners - Middle School
2018/2019 Student Contest Winners
2017/2018 Student Contest Winners
2017/2018 Student Eye Poem Contest Winners - Elementary School
2017/2018 Student Eye Poem Contest Winners - Middle School
2024/2025 Student Contest Winners
2023/2024 Student Contest Winners
2022/2023 Student Contest Winners
2021/2022 Student Contest Winners
2020/2021 Student Contest Winners
2020/2021 Student Eye Poem Contest Winners - High School
2020/2021 Student Eye Poem Contest Winners - Middle School
2019/2020 Student Contest Winners
2019/2020 Student Eye Poem Contest Winners - Middle School
2018/2019 Student Contest Winners
2017/2018 Student Contest Winners
2017/2018 Student Eye Poem Contest Winners - Elementary School
2017/2018 Student Eye Poem Contest Winners - Middle School