EDUCATION PROGRAM

PATRIOTISM THROUGH POETRY

CELEBRATING WEST VIRGINIANS WRITING CONTEST 

Lewisburg, West Virginia - Carnegie Hall invites Greenbrier County students in grades 6–12 to participate in Poetry Through Patriotism, a state‑wide creative writing contest celebrating personal stories of character, community, and the American spirit. Students are asked to submit an original poem of 40 lines or fewer responding to the prompt: Describe a West Virginian in your life who truly embodies the American spirit, and how so.

The contest features two divisions—Middle School and High School—with cash prizes generously provided in each division, with first place receiving $250, second place $100, and third place $50. First‑place winners will also be invited to recite their poems at the America250 Ivy Terrace celebration on June 11, 2026, a special community event honoring creativity and civic pride.