Are you a student or parent of a student who loves writing poetry or plays? Don't miss the opportunity to win cash and scholarships and show off those skills in the Friends of Brentwood Library's second annual James Weldon Johnson Young Writer's Festival!
#$6,400 Up for Grabs in Poetry & Dramatic Arts Literacy Contest
Students in grades 3-12 register for free by visiting Brentwood Branch Library (3725 N. Pearl St., Jacksonville, FL 32206).
Registrations are due by May 31, 2023.
Festival Dates: June 14, 2023 - June 17, 2023
#Literacy Contest & Workshops
Elementary Division (EM) Grades 3-5
1st Place $200, 2nd Place $150, 3rd Place $125, and three $50 Honorable Mention
Middle High (MH) Division Grades 6-8
1st Place $300, 2nd Place $250, 3rd Place $200, and three $75 Honorable Mention
Senior High (SH) Division Grades 9-12
1st Place $2000, 2nd Place $1,500, 3rd Place $1,000 and three $100 Honorable Mention
Important Dates
Registration Begins April 11, 2023 - May 31, 2023
Student/Parent Orientation
Saturday, June 3, 2023, at the Brentwood Public Library
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
#JWJ Young Writers Festival Dates and Location
June 14-17, 2023, JPL Main Branch Conference Center
#James Weldon Johnson Young Writers Festival Mission Statement
To use poetry, visual, and performing arts as a vehicle to impact youth academic engagement and performance, social-emotional development, and to develop writing and analytical skills giving children and youth a greater understanding of themselves and others.
This program is the brainchild of Matriarch Sharon Coon, Founder of The Friends of Brentwood Public Library, Inc.
Goals: Educate Youth, Young Authors Awards Ceremony, Family Fun Community Celebratory Activities, Author’s Book Exhibit, and Career Day.
#Students Participation Requirements
Students must complete all activities to receive cash and scholarship awards.
- Approved Application
- Submit Original Poetry and Dramatic Arts (See Contest Rules)
- Keep a written journal of original poetry
- Career Day
- Young Authors Awards Ceremony
- 3-Day Workshop Series engaging writing with professional writers, visual and performing arts artists.
- Display a good behavior
#Poetry Rules
- The poem must be at least 10 lines, but not more than 25 lines. It can be rhymed or free verse but must conform to acceptable standards of poetry.
- The poem must have a title or the word Untitled in the space where a specific title would be.
- It must be typewritten, double spaced on regular 8 1/2" by 11” bond paper, and authenticated for originality by a parent or teacher.
- Student full name, parent name, address, phone number, email address, school name, and grade must be placed at the bottom of each page for identification.
- The student is limited to submitting one poem.
#Poetry Judging Criteria
| 1. Creative Ideas | 20 |
| 2. Length (10 lines minimum, 25 lines maximum) | 20 |
| 3. Subject Appropriateness/Knowledge | 15 |
| 4. Language (Correct words/phrases) | 15 |
| 5. Readability (Rhythm and flow of ideas) | 15 |
| 6. Style (That intangible quality of individuality) | 15 |
| Total Points | 100 |
#Dramatic Monologue Rules
- The dramatic monologue must be written by and later performed by the student on the theme or the life and contribution of a significant African American of the past or present. The tone may be serious or humorous.
- In performance, the monologue must be at least three (3) minutes or no more and five (5) minutes. Any props to be used must be minimal and approved prior to the preliminary performance.
- The dramatic monologue must conform to good language usage (no derogatory language or profanity).
- The dramatic monologue must have a title or the word "Untitled" in the space where a specific title would be.
- It must be based on facts; it must include more than three (3) lines that are quoted from any other speaker or writer.
- In written form, it must be typewritten, double spaced on 8 ½" by 11" bond paper, and authenticated for originality by a teacher, and parent/guardian.
- The student must make 2 copies of the monologue.
- Student full name, parent name, address, phone number, email address, school name, and grade must be placed at the bottom of each page for identification.
- The student is limited to submitting one poem.
#Judging Monologue Criteria
| 1. Creative Ideas | 20 |
| 2. Length (3 to 5 Minutes) | 20 |
| 3. Subject | 15 |
| 4. Language Usage | 15 |
| 5. Delivery | 20 |
| 6. Style | 10 |
| Total Points | 100 |
To register visit Brentwood Branch Library at 3725 N. Pearl St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (hours)
#Get Me Registered
Submissions closed as of May 31, 2023. Thank you for your interest. Stay tuned for more opportunities like this in the future. Thank you!
