Calling all young poets of Kershaw County! 📝✨We're excited to announce the 5th Annual CJWL Poetry Contest, open to all high school students - whether you're in a public school, a home school program, or a private school, we want to hear from you!

 

Deadline for Submissions: April 13, 2026.

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This year's Specialty Category Theme is "Independence" in honor of the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution.

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This is your moment to shine on stage and share your voice! Entrants, their families, and teachers are all invited to a night of poetry and celebration.🏆 Winning Poems will be published in the Chronicle-Independent and featured online, spotlighting your amazing talent to the community and beyond!

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Let’s make this event a resounding success. Spread the word, submit your best poems, and let’s celebrate the arts together!

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Poem Guidelines

Poems must be submitted in clear, understandable English, without offensive material or foul language. Poems may be no more than 30 lines of text, with up to 46 characters and spaces per line. Poems should express the student’s thoughts, emotions and impressions about the human scene or experience. Poems may be published at a later date.