The fifteenth Annual Regional Poetry Contest sponsored by the Caroline, Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot County Arts Councils presented this year’s winners with cash awards at the Church Hill Theatre in Church Hill, Maryland on Thursday, April 28. Over 200 entries were received and included a wide representation of styles and topics and age groups. Styles of work included rhyming, non-rhyming, humorous and event epoch poems.

This year’s judge Patricia Valdata of Cecil County, Maryland is a novelist, poet and nonfiction writer. Valdata welcomed each poet to the podium and shared with the audience her appreciation for each piece written. A reception was held after the reading.

2011 Poetry Contest Winners

CHILDREN/YOUTH – GRADES 1 – 8

1. “Cancer”, Samantha Seufert, Easton Middle School
2. “The Moon Has Melted”, Annabelle Fichtner, The Country School
3. “Numbers n’ Clocks”, Juliette Neil, The Country School
Honorable Mention “The Rose”, Broudy Atkiss, Easton Middle School

STUDENTS – GRADES 9 – 12
1. “My Future Rock Star”, Molly R. Pittman, St. Michaels High School
2. “Story To Tell”, Lindsay Chase, Queen Anne’s County High School
3. “Kanon Wakeshima” Talisha Daly, Easton High School

ADULTS – AGES 18 – 59
1. “A Birthday Blessing”, Cynthia Thomas, Caroline County
2. “December Rose”, Beverly Antonio, Queen Anne’s County
3. “The Solstice”, Richard Cope, Queen Anne’s County

SENIORS – OVER 60
1. “Tin Dipper”, Jody Primoff, Caroline County
2. “Mountain Music”, Alex Johnson, Queen Anne’s County
3. “Indian Pipes”, Anne K. Whaples, Caroline County