Student poets from Edgecomb's Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) swept the boards in this year's Poetry Society of Virginia youth poetry contest. From hundreds of poems submitted by young writers from many states, CTL students captured multiple first-, second-, and third-place prizes, plus three honorable mentions. 

In the third- and fourth-grade category, Gannon Inman's poem "A Wave in a Seashell" won first place, "Flynn Mallory's poem "Break Glass" won third place, and Violet Gallagher's poem "Snow Bushes" earned an honorable mention. In the fifth- and sixth-grade category, Jackie Branch's poem "The Last Wedding Candle" won first place, Charlie Record's poem "A New Cat Learns" won second place, Molly Hynes's poem "Clear Pebbles of Rain" won third place, and Eni Burns's poem "Holding Our Heads up High" earned an honorable mention. And in the seventh- and eighth grade category, Octavia Aurora's poem "Her Place" won first place, Carter Wilson's poem "A Lonely Life" won second place, Lily Coleman's poem "Drive" won third place, and Alice Kutch's poem "The Beach" earned an honorable mention.

This competition was judged by well-known poets who live in Virginia. All award winning poets receive a certificate and cash prize. At the discretion of the Poetry Society of Virginia editor, older students may be offered publication in PSV's annual anthology of contest-winning poems.

According to their website, the Poetry Society of Virginia seeks to promote the writing and enjoyment of poetry through a wide range of programs and events. The Society sponsors annual contests for students and adults, virtual and in-person readings by members and visiting poets, poetry workshops, festivals, and other events for poets of all ages. 

For more information about the Center for Teaching and Learning, please visit c-t-l.org, call (207) 882-9706, or email ctlkto8@gmail.com .