The fifthteenth Annual Regional Poetry Contest sponsored by the Caroline, Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot County Arts Councils will present 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.
The contest was established in 1996 to recognize and encourage emerging and established writers. Since its inception, over 2,800 entries have been received. This year’s judge Patricia Valdata of Cecil County, Maryland is a novelist, poet and nonfiction writer. Her publications include the poetry book “Inherent Vice” (Pecan Grove Press, 2011); the novels “The Other Sister” (Plain View Press, 2008), “Crosswind” (Wind Canyon Publishing, 1997); and the poetry chapbook “Looking for Bivalve” (Pecan Grove Press, 2002). Valdata received an MFA in writing from Goddard College and works as a writing consultant and an adjunct associate professor for the University of Maryland University College (UMUC). She is a past first place winner in the Eastern Shore Regional Poetry Competition and the recipient of the 2001 and 2003 Maryland State Arts Council Individual Artist Award for Poetry. She is a contributing writer for the Cecil Soil, Chesapeake Bay Magazine and Suite 101.
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