League of Minnesota Poets sponsors contest for students

The League of Minnesota Poets is sponsoring the 18th annual Manningham Poetry Competition. There is no entry fee, and categories are grades 6-8 (Junior Division) and grades 9-12 (Senior Division).

All students attending school in Minnesota are eligible. Entries for the competition must be postmarked by Feb. 1.

One original poem will be accepted per entrant. Two copies of the typewritten poem, maximum of 50 lines, will be accepted. Do not use fancy typefaces or colored fonts, and pages should be stapled together if there are than one.

One copy of the poem should not have the entrant's name; it should have only the poem and its title. This copy will go to the judge. The second copy should contain the student's name and complete home address; student's grade and division (junior or senior); school name, address and the school's phone number; and a statement that says, "This is my original work," with the student's signature.

Poems submitted may have been published or may have won previous awards.

The contest will be judged by nationally recognized out-of-state poets. Winners will have their poems published in a chapbook, which will be forwarded to all participating schools. Winners also will be sent to compete in the national Manningham competition where winners may win cash prizes and publication.

Entries should be mailed to: Susan Stevens Chambers, Manningham Contest Chair, 57310 166th Lane, Good Thunder, MN 56037.