Announcing: GBF High School Poetry Contest

By Jud Ashman | Published October 9, 2018

Announcing a new poetry contest for high school students.

“2019 marks a milestone year for the Book Festival – we’re celebrating our 10th anniversary! We decided to shake things up a bit, replacing our short story contest and giving our young, aspiring poets a chance to shine,” said Jud Ashman, Festival chair and Mayor of the City of Gaithersburg. “We can’t wait to showcase the work of the talented high school students in our region.”

Who’s eligible?

To participate in the poetry contest, students must be enrolled in grades 9-12 at a public or private school, or be in a homeschool program, for the 2018-19 school year. Additionally, entrants must reside in Maryland, Virginia or the District of Columbia.

What will I win?

First- and second-place winners will receive $250 and $100, respectively while third-place and fan favorite winners will receive $50 and $25, respectively. This is also a great item for a college resume!

What kind of poem can I write?

There is no restriction on form or topic. Poems should be typed in 12 pt. Times New Roman and should not exceed one page in length. Each student may submit one poem. The poem should be the original work of the student and must not have been previously published online or in print.

How do I submit my work?

Poems must be submitted electronically via web form (details here) by midnight ET on Thursday, February 21, 2019.

When will my name… I mean, “the winners” be announced?

Up to 12 poems will be selected as finalists and posted on the Gaithersburg Book Festival website prior to the Book Festival, where the public will be able to vote for their favorite. The winners will be announced at the Gaithersburg Book Festival on May 18, 2019. Prizes are provided courtesy of the Johns Hopkins University Montgomery County.