African American Poetry Contest

African American Poetry contest (Open to all students)

Submit one poem for consideration to Mr. Hover in room 107 by bdhover@philasd.org , by May 9, 2022, 3:10pm. No late submissions can be accepted. The poems will be judged by a panel of teachers.

The African-American Poetry contest, once sponsored by the American Poetry Review, is now sponsored by the Central High School English Department. Students will need to write and submit one original poem that speaks to the spirit of African-American history. Some suggested topics are the idea of endurance, the struggle for freedom prevailing over adversity, the hope for the future, or faith in one’s fellow person. The poem may be of any poetry genre or purpose, such as personal, narrative, reflective, meditative, and/or protest poetry but must be written in one’s own voice. The contest is open to Central student participants of all ethnic groups in 9th through 12th grade.

Artist: Dejenae Smith, courtesy of Afrocentric Magazine 

Creative Writing Awards for Seniors

You have great ideas and great writing and it’s time for that to be acknowledged! Take your brightest jewels of expression and submit them in order to be considered for scholarships and awards. 

Original Poem (Two Awards) (Seniors Only)

Submit one poem in hardcopy form, make sure your name is on it. Submit to Mr. Hover in 107 or email to bdhover@philasd.org by May 5, 2022, 3:10pm. No late submissions can be accepted. The poems will be judged by a panel of teachers.

John Haney Poetry Award (see Senior Contest Information)

Harry Kapustin Award  (see Senior Contest Information)