Contest Theme

"Why are you an American?"

Division & Prize Structure

Four $100 Cash Prizes will be awarded to individual category winners:

• Youth Division (Ages 4–8): One winner ($100 prize)

• Youth Division (Ages 9–13): One winner ($100 prize)

• Youth Division (Ages 14–18): One winner ($100 prize)

• Adult Division: One winner ($100 prize)

Submission Guidelines

• Eligibility: Open to all poets!

• Entry Limit: Maximum of 2 entries per person.

• How to Enter: Email your poems to annespencermuseum@gmail.com.

Key Dates

• Submission Deadline: September 5, 2026

• Awards Ceremony: Saturday, September 19, 2026 (2:30 PM – 3:30 PM)

Location: Anne Spencer House & Garden Museum | 1313 Pierce St, Lynchburg, VA 24501
Finalists and winners will be announced at the ceremony, followed by live readings from the winning poets.