Publishers recognize JCMS poets

Jenkins County Middle School winners in the Creative Communications poetry contest, are, from left, Shae Burke, Madison Allen, Emily Edenfield, Sara Burke, Callie Dailey, Johnna Forehand, Shiamante' Grimes, CJ Green and Whitney Jones. (Photos contributed)

Earlier this fall, Rhonda Clark asked all of her eighth grade writing students to select a poem from their writing portfolios or to write a new poem to be entered in a poetry contest. Twenty-seven poems were selected and entered in a poetry contest strictly for young poets, sponsored by Creative Communications.

It is with great pleasure that Jenkins County Middle School (JCMS) can announce that of the 27 submitted entries, 18 eighth grade entries have been selected to be published in an anthology titled, "A Celebration of Young Poets."

Not only have the students been awarded a certificate and a chance to be a published author, but all 18 students are still in pursuit of the coveted "Top Ten Poet" award, which also comes with a cash prize.

Due to the success of our eighth grade writers, JCMS was awarded the Creative Communication's Poetic Achievement Award. This award is given to schools whose students' entries to the contest were of exceptionally high merit. This award entitles the school to apply for a language arts grant to be awarded later this summer.

Jenkins County Middle School winners in the Creative Communications poetry contest are, from left, Jacelyn Youmans, Karen Yarbrough, Juan Rangel, Chassity Wilkerson, Keith Larisey, Thomas Joyner, Nathan Lewis, Shaniqua Mitchell and Britney Jones.

Creative Communications has been in the business of recognizing and rewarding outstanding writers for over 10 years. The publication is due out later this spring, and the school library will have a copy for interested persons to peruse.