Submit a Poem for our Youth Poetry Contest

Calling all youth poets! North Haven students entering Kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to participate in our annual Youth Poetry Contest. This year's contest is presented by our 2025-2027 Youth Poet Laureate, Gavin Knauft.

Students are encouraged to submit an original poem inspired by our 2025 Summer Reading theme: Video Games! One winner will be selected from each of our three grade brackets: K-5th, 6th-8th, and 9th-12th. 

Submissions will be judged anonymously by Gavin and two active community members. Judges are looking for poems that fit well with our theme and are enjoyable to read. Don't be afraid to get creative!

Poetry submissions are due by Friday, August 8th, at 5:00pm. 

Contest winners will be announced and gifted a poetry-related prize basket at our Award Ceremony on Thursday, August 14th at 6:00pm. All participants will be invited to read their poems! Invite your family and friends. Light refreshments will be served.