Pelham’s political poetry prize
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- January
- 6
Try saying that one three times fast. It’s not poetry, that’s for sure.
Regardless of all the P’s, Pelham Public Library has just announced its second annual James J. Nicholson Political Poetry Prize competition and is seeking entries by Inauguration Day. The contest is open to all residents of Westchester who are 18 years and older. There is a $500 cash prize (and a separate category for Pelham High School/Middle school students, who can win $150 and $100 respectively).
Judging the adult category this year will be Pushcart Prize-winning poet and Tarrytown resident Patricia Smith. The deadline for entries is Jan. 20.
The awards program was established in memory of James J. Nicholson, who contributed to the town library. He co-chaired the Friends of the Library fundraising campaign that culminated in the dedication of the library in 1995, and served on the Library Board of Trustees for a decade.
The prize is supported by gifts to the library from family and friends, and a gift from Peggy Nicholson and her family. Nicholson contributed significantly to the creation of the Town Library. Below is a photo of Peggy Nicholson (left) with Morgan McDaniel, a junior at Pelham Memorial High School, winner of the Student Prize; and Denise Frasca of Katonah, winner of the adult prize.
Judging the adult category is Smith, a Pushcart Prize-winning who also was a National Book Award finalist this year for her new collection, “Blood Dazzler.” She has published five volumes of poetry, including the award-winning “Teahouse of the Almighty” and is the author of the children’s book, ” Janna and the Kings.” and the history book Africans in America.
A jury of poets and poetry readers will select the winning student poems.
To find out more and to submit an entry, go to the library’s site.
This entry was posted
on Tuesday, January 6th, 2009 at 5:55 pm by Barbara Nackman.
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