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Arts In Motion

Creativity · Community · Culture

Annual Poetry Contest

POETEST 2026

A poetry competition for public high school students and recent graduates from Washington, D.C., Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County.

Registration and Submission Contact Us
DeadlineOctober 11, 2026
Contest DateSaturday, November 7, 2026
ArrivalPoets arrive by 12:00 p.m.
JudgingBegins at 1:00 p.m.

Requirements

Poems must be your original work, currently unpublished, and in English.

  • Limit submissions to 39 lines of single-spaced text for form poems.
  • Entries may reflect current vernacular and moods.
  • The jury reserves the right to reject offensive material.
  • Finalists chosen to perform will be contacted by email.

Eligibility & Submission

Open to current public high school students and recent graduates from Washington, D.C., Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County.

Entrants must complete registration and submit work through the official online form.

Submit your registration and poem

Awards

  • 1st Place: $500
  • 2nd Place: $250
  • 3rd Place: $100
  • Honorable Mention: $20

Contest Location

Finalists will perform before a jury in the auditorium at Clubhouse II, 3300 North Leisure World Boulevard, Silver Spring, MD 20906.

The jury will be composed of experts and professionals, including professors of English and published authors.