Enter the Poetry Contest

Deadline June 1, 2027

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The Fayette County Historical Society and Juneteenth Planning Committee announce the “Embracing Our Strengths” youth poetry contest. The theme of this year's contest is "Embracing our Strengths."

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Eligibility:

Contest is open to all Fayette County high school students, grades 9 through 12. Minors must have their parent’s or legal guardian’s permission to enter. Entries will be accepted between February 1, 2027 and June 1, 2027.

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Awards:

First, second, and third place winners will be recognized at the Juneteenth Celebration on June 19, 2026 at 12:00 noon on the Fayetteville Courthouse lawn. Families are invited to attend. Prizes will be awarded to the first place winner.

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Entry Guidelines:  

• Poems will explore the theme “Celebrate Freedom.” 

• Only one poem per student will be accepted.  

• Only original work (without the aid of artificial intelligence) will be considered and cannot contain previously published and/or copyrighted material in any part by any 3rd party.  

• The poem may not be offensive or inappropriate. 

• The poem may not be longer than 30 lines.  

• Poems must be printed in an easy-to-read, non-italic, black font that is 12 points or larger.  Entrants share with Fayette County Juneteenth Planning Committee the rights to print and publish submitted poems.  

• Entries of a poem that are inspired by or modeled after another poem should indicate that with a note below the title reading “after (the title of the poem, by the name of the author).” 

• Entrants will provide the text of the original poem or a link to the poem online.  Entrants will include their name, grade level, school, teacher’s name, and title of poem.  Poems must be submitted electronically by June 1, 2027 at 11:59 p.m.

• Parents or legal guardians must also email fayettecountyjuneteenth@gmail.com by June 1, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. giving permission for student’s entry.