Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize 2024

The Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize is a prestigious recognition dedicated to celebrating and encouraging the outstanding creative work of 11th-grade student writers, both in the United States and internationally. This esteemed prize provides a unique platform for young poets to showcase their talent and express their artistic voices. What sets this competition apart is the caliber of the judges, who are not only accomplished poets but also esteemed members of the Princeton University creative writing faculty. The panel includes renowned figures such as Michael Dickman, known for his evocative imagery; Katie Farris, whose work explores the intersections of language and experience; Ilya Kaminsky, a celebrated poet recognized for his profound explorations of identity and silence; Lynn Melnick, whose powerful poetry often engages with personal and societal themes; Paul Muldoon, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and a central figure in contemporary poetry; Kathleen Ossip, noted for her incisive observations on the human experience; and Patricia Smith, an award-winning poet whose work addresses race, identity, and resilience.

Through this prize, students are encouraged not only to hone their craft but also to explore the rich and varied landscape of poetry as a means of personal expression and connection to broader themes in society. By participating in this competition, young poets have the chance to receive feedback from distinguished professionals in the field, fostering their growth as writers and thinkers. The Leonard L. Milberg Poetry Prize not only honors exceptional talent but also aims to inspire a new generation of poets to engage with language and explore the depths of their creativity. This is an opportunity for young voices to be heard and celebrated, making it an invaluable experience for aspiring poets eager to make their mark on the literary world.

Prizes of School Poetry Prize

• First Prize — $1,500
• Second Prize — $750
• Third Prize — $500

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Eligibility for School Poetry Prize

• Any student currently enrolled in the 11th grade (or international equivalent) in the U.S. or abroad—in public, non-public, charter school, or a home-school setting—is eligible to participate.
• Applicants may submit up to 3 poems.
• They accept poems in other languages; however, the student must translate their own poems into English and provide the translation as part of their entry.

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Application

After a student successfully submits their poems using the online entry form, the student will receive an email confirmation/copy of their entry sent to the student email address provided in the entry form.

Submissions for the 2024-25 contest will be accepted from October 21 through the deadline of November 10, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. (ET). No late entries will be accepted after the deadline.

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