The Mississippi Poetry Society, Inc. (MPS) invites students across the state to showcase their creativity in the 2026 Student Poetry Contest. This annual competition is open to all Mississippi students from first grade through college undergraduates including those in public, private, and homeschool settings.
There is no entry fee, and students may submit one original poem for consideration.
Entries will be judged in five levels:
- Level 1: Grades 1–3
- Level 2: Grades 4–5
- Level 3: Grades 6–8
- Level 4: Grades 9–12
- Level 5: College Undergraduates
Prizes include certificates and cash awards:
- Levels 1–3: $30 (1st), $20 (2nd), $10 (3rd)
- Levels 4–5: $35 (1st), $25 (2nd), $15 (3rd)
Honorable mentions will be awarded as merited. Winning poems will be published in the MPS Contest Journal, and winners will be invited to read their work at the MPS Festival in April.
Submission Details:
- Send two copies of the poem following contest guidelines.
- Postmark deadline: Feb. 16, 2026
- Mail entries to: Janice Canerdy, P.O. Box 613, Potts Camp, MS 38659
See MISSISSIPPI POETRY SOCIETY’S 2026 STUDENT POETRY CONTEST (3) for details.
For complete rules or questions, email jlcanerdy@yahoo.com.