Rhode Island Poet Tina Cane, and The Rhode Island Center for the Book, are excited to announce a poetry competition for young poets around the state!
The Maureen Kenner Memorial Prize for youth poetry commemorates the life of Maureen Kenner–a special education teacher in Providence’s public schools. A passionate instructor who believed in the power of art, Maureen embraced the use of poetry in her classroom to nurture self-expression and reflection. This award celebrates Maureen’s dedication to the imagination and to the potential she fostered in each of her students during her decades-long career.
The contest is open to Rhode Island students in grades 7-12, with a $100 first prize, a $75 second prize, a $50 third prize, and two $25 honorable mentions. The winners will be chosen by 2026Youth Poetry Ambassadors.
Applicants should submit ONE poem between April 6th and April 30th
by email: Kate Lentz, Director of Rhode Island Center for the Book at kate@ribook.org
by mail: Rhode Island Center for the Book
Pell Center, Salve Regina University
100 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport, RI 02840
More information about Maureen Kenner: https://www.roomforgrace.org/