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Leslie Jackson Poetry Contest 2024

Poet Laureate of the State of Illinois Angela Jackson Announces Leslie Jackson Poetry Contest Winners

Chicago, IL –  Illinois Poet Laureate Angela Jackson implemented a third poetry contest. This one was targeted to high school junior and senior students. The Leslie Jackson Woman of Admiration poetry contest was a tribute to her sister-in-law who, although wasn’t famous, made significant contributions within the organizations she served and her community.

“Drawing from my memories as a young writer, I want to encourage young people to write what’s on their minds as well as their hearts, said Jackson. “I draw a great deal of inspiration from my family. In fact, the first poem I wrote was about my mother. This themed contest allows writers to bridge their love of writing with someone they love.”

Assisting Jackson with the judging were Whittney Jones and Joseph Dominic Saunders, appointed Ambassadors of Poetry, a program Jackson initiated at the beginning of her tenure as Illinois Poet Laureate in 2020 to allow young poets to conduct residencies and promote poetry throughout the state, making poetry accessible and engaging for diverse audiences.

Each poem was judged in 10 categories with a maximum total score of 100. Submissions were received from throughout the state. The contest proved to be highly competitive resulting in a tie for Second place. First and Second place winners will receive cash prizes of $1,000 and $500 respectively. The prize money was donated by Ms. Jackson’s brother George Jackson in honor of his wife Leslie, a woman of admiration.
 

1st Place Winner ($1,000) – Grandmom by Sydney D (Carbondale High School)

2nd Place Winner ($500) – Women of Admiration by Alanna M (Limestone Community High School)

2nd Place Winner ($500) – Patriece Gentry by Emalee A (University of Chicago Laboratory Schools)

Read the Winning Poems and Learn More

A Woman of Admiration

Poetry Contest for High School Juniors and Seniors

Theme: Leslie Jackson was a pioneer for the modern woman of color. A woman of many talents and achievements, she often used her creative skills to succeed in the workplace and on the numerous committees and boards on which she served. Leslie also valued the importance of education and giving back. This contest is dedicated to her as a lover of the arts, especially music and poetry. Poetry submissions should be about a woman or a group of women whom you admire.

Eligibility: Open to all Illinois students enrolled in grades 11-12 (including homeschooled and tutored students).

Requirements/Formatting:

  • All poems must be typed, with student name, name of school, and page number on the upper right corner of each page.
  • All poems must be original and unpublished. Copyrighted text will be disqualified.

Selection:

  • Poems will be judged on originality, creativity, and adherence to theme. Illinois Poet Laureate Angela Jackson will make the final selections.

Deadline: Please email submissions by June 30, 2024 to ilpoetlaureate.contests@gmail.com. Submission entries are limited to one selection per person. Winners will be announced in August 2024.

Prizes:

  • 1st place: $1,000
  • 2nd place: $250
  • 3rd place: $100