Poetry, different theme every year
River of Words is its own watershed: a linked network of people throughout the United States and the world who are committed to teaching the art and poetry of place to young people. Since 1995, River of Words has encouraged young people to explore and savor the watersheds where they live and trained educators to guide them with inspiration and passion. Through professional development and other educational services, traveling exhibits, publications and community programs, ROW reaches thousands of educators and young people around the world.
The theme of the contest is "watersheds."
Poems must be submitted through our online submission portal.
All poems must be original work.
Poems should not exceed 32 lines in length (written).
Collaborative poems are accepted, but only one student (chosen as the group representative) will be eligible for any prizes awarded.
Winners will be announced in Spring of each year.
One winner is selected in each of the four age/grade categories in Poetry. Entries will be judged in the following categories:
Category I: K-Grade 2 (Primary) or ages 5-7
Category II: Grades 3-5 (Elementary) or ages 8-11
Category III: Grades 6-8 (Intermediary) or ages 11-14
Category IV: Grades 9-12 (Secondary) or ages 14-19