GFWC Youth Poetry Contest lifts young voices to state level

The microphone stood nearly as tall as some of the youngest winners at the GFWC National Youth Poetry Contest, but their voices carried clearly as they read the poems that earned them state recognition. The General Federation of Women's Clubs National Youth Poetry Contest was hosted locally by the Monday Club of Johnson City, bringing together students from across the region to celebrate award-winning poetry and advance work through the national competition pathway. "We are so proud of all of these students," said Janie Johnson, chair of the Youth Poetry Committee. "This has always been one of our favorite events." The annual competition begins at the local club level before advancing to district and state judging, with first-place state winners moving on to national competition where entries are evaluated against top student poets from across the country. That progression places students on a much larger stage — one rooted in a long-standing civic tradition according to organizers. "The Monday Club began over 130 years ago with a simple idea, said club president Julie Kubisiak. "A small group of women wanted to learn, grow and make their community better." She traced the club's origins to 1892, when 10 women formed a reading circle focused on art, history and literature. The group later became the Monday Club and began civic work that helped shape Johnson City, including the creation of the public library. Kubisiak said that mission continues through programs like the poetry contest, which invites students from kindergarten through 12th grade. "Whether you are just beginning to write or already have a love of poetry, your words matter," she said during the presentation to students. "Because just look at those 10 women in 1892… real change begins when someone is willing to share their voice." Jenny Brock, vice mayor, reflected on her own experience in the contest as a child as a guest speaker. She said she won the award as a first grader at Fairmont Elementary 65 years ago, recalling that she was nervous to share her poem but ultimately glad she did. Her advice to students was simple: "Never stop writing…" At the district level of this year's competition, students across four grade divisions were recognized for their work. In Category 1, grades K–2, Adeline Owen of Towne Acres Elementary placed first, followed by Sophia Jain in second and Ela Define Saglam in third, all from Towne Acres. In Category 2, grades 3–5, Henry Wilson of Lake Ridge Elementary earned first place, followed by Emma Temaj in second, James Sandos in third, and Keshav Amin receiving honorable mention. In Category 3, grades 6–8, Alese Webb earned first place, followed by Emily Harmon in second and Jane Hayter in third, with honorable mentions going to Ann Marie Batt and Joy Sensat. In Category 4, grades 9–12, Riley Bett earned first place, followed by Kara Wiggins in second, Elena Delaune in third, and honorable mentions going to Sarah Gouge and Michael Terranera. At the state level of the GFWC National Youth Poetry Contest, students from District 1 also earned top recognition and monetary awards along with medals. In Category 1, Adeline Owen placed first with "Pap and Granny's Summer," Sophia Jain placed second with "Friendship," and Ela Define Saglam placed fourth. In Category 2, Henry Wilson of Lake Ridge Elementary placed first, while James Sandos of Towne Acres Elementary placed second. In Category 3, Alese Webb of University School tied for second with her poem "If I Were a Boy," alongside Ann Marie Batt of Liberty Bell Middle School for "The Older Girls." In Category 4, Kara Wiggins of Science Hill High School placed fourth with "Sunbeam Windows."