HSLDA's 2006 Poetry Contest for Homeschoolers

HSLDA is very excited to be holding our second annual poetry contest. Along with the art and essay contests, the poetry contest offers an opportunity to reward excellence. Although poetry, and especially poetic form, can seem intimidating, we encourage you to try it. In addition to the enjoyment of composition, there is the educational and cultural benefit that comes with studying poetry closely. Writing poetry also increases your appreciation as you read the great poets.

Rules for Poetry Contest

Entrant Qualifications:

• Category 1: Homeschooled students who are at least 9 but will not be 14 as of April 1, 2006.
• Category 2: Homeschooled students who are at least 14 but will not be 19 as of April 1, 2006.
• Family members of Home School Legal Defense Association employees, the Home School Foundation employees, or Patrick Henry College staff or faculty are not eligible to participate.

Format and Submission:

• Poems must be completely the work of the student entering the contest. No involvement or assistance of other parties, including but not limited to brainstorming, editing, or proof reading, is permissible.
• The poems should be typed, in at least 12 point font, and single spaced with a double space between stanzas.
• Each poem must have a title.
• Each author may enter up to five poems. Each poem requires a separate entry fee. Only one poem per page.
• The student's phone number should appear at the top of each page.
• The student's full name, date of birth, HSLDA membership number (if applicable), and contact information, including their phone number should be on a separate sheet of paper.
• Each entrant should use a separate envelope, i.e. do not send entries from members of the same family in a single envelope.
• Poems should be mailed to:
  HSLDA
  Attn: Poetry Contest
  P.O. Box 3000
  Purcellville, VA 20134-9000
  
• Entries must be postmarked on or before April 15, 2006. Only entries sent to the above address will qualify for the contest.

Fee:
The entry fee is $15 per poem. For Home School Legal Defense Association member families, the entry fee is $10 per poem. The check should be made payable to "HSLDA" with a note of "Poetry Contest" in the memo line. Please do not enclose cash.

Prizes:
Category 1
First: $150
Second: $100
Third: $50
Honorary Mention (two): $25

Category 2
First: $200
Second: $150
Third: $100
Honorary Mention (two): $50

Visit contest's website