Students can try for a spot in a slam poetry contest

Teachers, do you have students between the ages of 14 and 20 that you think might be interested in trying out for a spot in a slam poetry contest?

The National Federation of State Poetry Societies (NFSPS), in cooperation with the Iowa Poetry Association (IPA), is sponsoring the second annual national championship slam poetry competition June 21-26 in Des Moines, Iowa. The venue for all 2023 events will be the West Des Moines Marriott.

Competitors are expected from across the country. There will be 40 adults and 12 youths in the finals. All Youth Mini-Festival events, including the workshops, the slam competition, and an open mic session, are Friday, June 23. This mini-fest will last all day. Students who participate in the workshops may participate in the open mic. More specific details will be given that Friday morning.

The Mississippi Poetry Society, Inc., is interested in choosing one Mississippi youth to compete and will pay $350 on his/her trip expenses: lodging, travel, and meals.

For more information, contact Janice Canerdy, Mississippi Poetry Society President at jlcanerdy@yahoo.com or (662) 538-8630.