National Federation of State Poetry Societies, Inc
Manningham Trust Student Poetry Contest
Rules: 2012 Annual Competition
 

1. There are two divisions: Grade 6-8 (Junior Division) and Grades 9-12 (Senior Division). Each state may submit ten (10) top poems in each division. Poems may have been printed and/or have won previous awards. Contests at state level may have occurred anytime in 2011or 2012. 

2. The competition is open to all USA students in grades 6 – 12.  Public, private, and home schools are eligible for entry by individual NFSPS member states.

3. Submit two copies of each poem. Put the division (junior or senior) in the upper left corner of both copies. One copy must have student’s ID in upper right corner. The ID information is student name, school name and address, student grade level, and teacher’s (language arts/English) name. The second copy must not have ID information. Do not send a copy with any other marking - there should be no indication of prior award granted by the state.

4. Each poem must be neatly typed or computer-generated, and have no more than 50 lines. If a poem continues more than one page, staple the pages together. Do not staple the two copies of the poem together. It is suggested that each state representative keep a copy of poems entered. 

5. There should be no large or unusual fonts or illustrations. Times New Roman is the suggested font. No font larger than 12 point should be used.  Winning poems are scanned for the award anthology and large and/or unusual fonts impede the process. 

6. Each entrant must make a declaration of originality.  The statement should appear on the bottom of the ID copy only. The form below is acceptable:
 

I certify that this poem is my original work, and has not been copied in whole or part from any author’s poems in print or posted on the Internet.
 

Signed: __________________________________________Date:___________

7. Separate poems into respective divisions. Within each division separate the ID copy from the anonymous copy meant for judges. Include a cover letter identifying the Manningham (Youth) Chairperson to whom the report on the contests will be mailed. 

8. Entries must be received by March 1, 2012.

Send entries to: Budd P. Mahan
7059 Spring Valley Road
Dallas, TX 75254

Ten prizes will be awarded in each division: First Place - $75, Second Place - $50, Third Place - $40, Fourth Place - $35, Fifth Place - $30, and five Honorable Mentions - $10 each. All winning poems will be published in the Manningham Trust Poetry Student Award Anthology. Winners will receive complimentary copies. The schools of each winning student will receive a complimentary copy for the school library. Notice of winners report will be sent to the Manningham (Youth) Chair no later by May 20, 2012. Awards (certificates, checks, anthologies) will also be mailed to the state chairperson. Each state is responsible for distributing prizes to winners and winning schools.  The top winning poems will be read to NFSPS members at the Convention held in June 2012.  

I look forward to each state’s participation in the Manningham Poetry Trust’s annual contests. Questions may be directed to the chairperson at the addresses or numbers below. 

Budd Powell Mahan
Manningtham Trust Student Poetry Awards Chairperson
7059 Spring Valley Road
Dallas, TX 75254
972-788-4944
buddmahan@att.net

MANNINGHAM TRUST STUDENT POETRY WINNERS FOR 2011

JUNIOR DIVISION: 97 ENTRIES,
JUDGE: JERI HARDESTY,  ALABAMA
 

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