Poetry Contest Open for Submissions

The submission deadline for the 2017 Dr. Stephen Caldwell Wright Poetry Awards is Feb. 24, not later than noon. According to the contest’s web page, prize winning pieces will be published in the 2017 Chronicle booklet and be given a three credit hour scholarship, as well as cash prizes.

The awards were founded by acclaimed twentieth century poet Gwendolyn Brooks. Brooks, who became the first African American to receive a Pulitzer Prize when she won the award in 1950 for her book of poetry “Annie Allen,” frequently visited Seminole State College (then known as Seminole Community College) to speak to and support young poets. She set up a formal award for student poets and named it after fellow admired poet and (now retired) Seminole State English professor Dr. Stephen Caldwell Wright.

Poets must be attending at least one class at Seminole State College and may submit up to two poems that are no more than 30 lines long each. For more information on the contest, visit or call the English Department (located in Building E on the Lake Mary/Sanford campus) at 407-708-2060, or call Webb Harris at 407-708-2691.