Local Poetry Contest

Any aspiring poets (or prize-money-hungry individuals) should enter the poetry contest associated with the Partridge Pedal Party. Entries may be on any subject, and may be any length. The poem should be written on one sheet and the name, age or grade (for students), address, and the entrant's other contact information should appear on a separate sheet stapled behind the poem sheet. This is to enable more impartial judging. In a small town the judges might know all the entrants, and it would be difficult sometimes to separate loyalties from literary quality otherwise.

Entries are grouped into three categories--Grades K-3, Grades 4-8, and High School through Adult. The Partridge event flyer gives the above information. I'm not sure if this constitutes a discrepancy or not but the information from Loretta says that first and second prizes will be given in two categories--grade school and high school. Prizes will be announced on Saturday, October 16--the day of the Partridge celebration.

All entries are due on Wednesday of next week--the 13th. to Diana at the Partridge Grade School office, to the Partridge Library, or directly to Loretta Miller. (One other source said the due date was Tuesday, but the above information comes directly from Loretta, who is the contact person for the contest.)

I always require my composition class students to enter the poetry contest, and some of them have been prize winners in the past. I've never entered the contest since I don't want to compete in the same category as my students. I'm sure you understand how embarrassing it would be if one of them won a prize and I didn't--and how unfair it would be if I won a prize and they didn't.

A poetry recitation contest is also planned for Partridge Day. Contact me or Loretta Miller directly for more details if you're interested in entering this contest.