Celebrating Poetic Excellence: Winners of the 22nd Contest
Exciting Announcement of Poetry Contest Winners
Winning Writers is thrilled to unveil the champions of its esteemed 22nd annual Tom Howard/Margaret Reid Poetry Contest. Judged by the talented Michal 'MJ' Jones, along with assistance from Briana Grogan and Dare Williams, this year's contest has showcased remarkable poetic talents. Among numerous entries from poets worldwide, D.T. Christensen claimed the illustrious Tom Howard Prize, receiving a well-deserved reward of $3,500 for their evocative poem titled "Shoulder Season." In a similar vein, Serrina Zou was honored with the Margaret Reid Prize, alongside the same prize amount, thanks to her exceptional work, "Ars Poetica." With a staggering total of 2,481 submissions, the competition was fierce, highlighting the vast pool of talent within the poetic community.
Highlighting the Winning Poems
D.T. Christensen's "Shoulder Season"
This winning piece intricately weaves a rich narrative that embraces the subtle transitions from summer to autumn. Through vivid imagery and sensory details, Christensen evokes the nostalgia of childhood experiences, merging the scent of apples and warm memories of family gatherings. Michal Jones commended this poem, stating, "This work illustrates the cycle of living, dying, and remembering, deepening our connection with the changing seasons of life. It encourages readers to live intentionally, savoring each fleeting moment."
Serrina Zou's "Ars Poetica"
Zou's poem represents a contemplative exploration of the very essence of poetry. In it, she encapsulates the delicate beauty of everyday objects like crumpled tissues and bridal petals, suggesting that while poetry can be inherently understood, it often eludes precise definition. Jones noted, "Serrina’s work resonates with a sense of discovery, pulling readers into a world where the art of writing unfolds naturally and the subtleties of her imagery invite continuous reflection."
Honorable Mentions and Their Contributions
In addition to the grand prizes, a total of ten poets received Honorable Mentions, each awarded $300. The recognition went to Jay Aja, R.H. Alexander, Shelly Cato, Ceren Ege, Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda, Lance Larsen, Em McCoy, Carla Schick, Jennifer Tubbs, and Elinor Ann Walker. Their contributions enriched the contest, showcasing the vibrant tapestry of voice and perspective inherent in contemporary poetry. All winning poems are available for public viewing on Winning Writers' official website, encouraging readers to engage with and appreciate the creativity of these talented individuals.
Looking Ahead: The 2025 Poetry Contest
The anticipation builds as the 2025 contest has officially opened for submissions, running until October 1, 2025. With the return of Michal 'MJ' Jones as the final judge, poets are invited to showcase their creativity and passion for poetry. Notably, the cash prizes now total $12,000, accompanied by increased Honorable Mention awards of $500 each. This elevated prize pool reflects Winning Writers' commitment to supporting and uplifting emerging voices in poetry.
About Winning Writers
Founded in 2001, Winning Writers has established itself as a premier platform for writers, receiving recognition as one of the "101 Best Websites for Writers" by Writer's Digest. Besides organizing the Tom Howard/Margaret Reid Poetry Contest, they also sponsor various contests, including the Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest and the North Street Book Prize, further enriching the literary landscape. All contests recommended by Reedsy, they continue to inspire creativity and promote literary talent.
Contact Information
If you wish to learn more about Winning Writers or inquire about the contest, please reach out to Adam Cohen at 413-320-1847.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tom Howard/Margaret Reid Poetry Contest?
This annual contest is organized by Winning Writers to recognize outstanding poetry from around the world.
Who were the winners of the latest contest?
The winners of the 22nd contest were D.T. Christensen and Serrina Zou, each receiving a prize of $3,500.
How can I enter the 2025 Poetry Contest?
The contest is now open for submissions until October 1, 2025. Participants can visit Winning Writers' website for detailed instructions.
What are the prizes offered in the 2025 contest?
The total cash prizes for the 2025 contest amount to $12,000, and Honorable Mentions receive $500 each.
Where can I read the winning poems?
The winning entries from the contest are published on Winning Writers' official website, available for public access.
About The Author
Contact Thomas Cooper privately here. Or send an email with ATTN: Thomas Cooper as the subject to contact@investorshangout.com.
About Investors Hangout
Investors Hangout is a leading online stock forum for financial discussion and learning, offering a wide range of free tools and resources. It draws in traders of all levels, who exchange market knowledge, investigate trading tactics, and keep an eye on industry developments in real time. Featuring financial articles, stock message boards, quotes, charts, company profiles, and live news updates. Through cooperative learning and a wealth of informational resources, it helps users from novices creating their first portfolios to experts honing their techniques. Join Investors Hangout today: https://investorshangout.com/
The content of this article is based on factual, publicly available information and does not represent legal, financial, or investment advice. Investors Hangout does not offer financial advice, and the author is not a licensed financial advisor. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial or investment decisions based on this article. This article should not be considered advice to purchase, sell, or hold any securities or other investments. If any of the material provided here is inaccurate, please contact us for corrections.
