Despite the change in guidelines, this year’s Medford Arts Center (MAC) annual poetry contests submissions were plentiful! The Center was thrilled that previous and new participants offered to share their reflections on paper (or, in this case, online). This year, due to COVID, poems were submitted via email, and the celebration also took place virtually on Dec. 21. As has been the tradition, this contest was judged via “blind jury,” made up of Hara Rola and last year’s contest winner, Susan Montagna.
This year’s winners:
Adult Poetry Contest:
1st Place: Robert Spice – “Connection”
2nd Place: Emma Bischoff – “Murky Reflections”
3rd Place: Sue Jeney – Haiku – “Contemplating Life”
High School Student Contest:
1st Place: Ben Brandreth – “The Wagon Man of Bethlehem”
2nd Place: Samuel Gibson – “Dear Daddy”
3rd Place – Isabella Ierano – “Follow Your Heart”
Each winner will receive a cash award prize and a personalized certificate. First place winners receive $125.00; 2nd place winners will receive $75.00 and 3rd place winners will receive $50.00. And, this year, there were several submissions which were acknowledged with an Honorable Mention. These poets will be given personalized certificates and the option of sharing their poetry with us online or in person during a future poetry event.
Finally, MAC would like to acknowledge the sponsors for this year’s contests whose sponsorship allows it to provide cash prizes and certificates to winners. This year, the 3rd Annual Poetry Contest for High School Students is being sponsored by Payton Press, LLC. Payton Press’s books, all written by Gloria Barone and illustrated by Jim Rosanio, can be found on www.paytonpress.net, and are available at Medford Arts Center. They include: Flip Flop Flo, the Know-It-All; Pedro’s Hungry Ride; Eat to Roar; When a Dragon Wants a Drink and Allie’s First Halloween on Earth.
This year’s 13th Annual Poetry Contest for Adults is being sponsored by Therapeutic Massage and Wellness with Naomi, LLC.
