Chillicothe library celebrates young poets

Shelby Reeves, Chillicothe Gazette
·2 min read
Several young poets were recognized at the Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library's reception for the 2023 Young Poets Contest. Winners received a certificate and a copy of the book created from submissions.
Several young poets were recognized at the Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library's reception for the 2023 Young Poets Contest. Winners received a certificate and a copy of the book created from submissions.

CHILLICOTHE— The Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library helped encourage young writers with its annual Young Poets Contest. These writers were recently recognized and awarded for their work.

The library had 219 submissions from across the county this year. Winners were chosen from each age range and were able to read their poems during the reception. Enrichment Clerk for the library Sheena Brown said it was very exciting to see so many kids from the county participate in the contests.

"It's pretty exciting to see all the young creatives," said Brown.

Jenny Roberts, a former library worker spoke about the power of poetry and how it can come in many different forms and hold all kinds of emotions.

The winners are as follows:

K-2nd Grade:

  • 1st place- The Wind by Alaina Hawsw

  • 2nd place- I Love Candy by Kamryn Blake

  • 3rd place- The Polar Bear by Landr Blake

  • Honorable mention- Transportation by Patrick Harper

  • Honorable mention- SNAKE by Asher Grigsby

3rd-5th Grade:

  • 1st place- The Line Man by Paxton Junk

  • 2nd place- Holden by Lillian Lowe

  • 3rd place- Woman From Shore by Madeline James

  • Honorable mention- The Great Hampster Escape by Cassandra Irwin

6th-8th Grade:

  • 1st place- Skiing by Gabby Maranzana

  • 2nd place- The Ridges by Kaydence Morton

  • 3rd place- She Wishes by Amelia Barron

  • Honorable mention- Alone Again by LillyWiley

  • Honorable mention- My Mother by Abby Gambo

9th-12th Grade:

  • 1st place- The Beautiful Dance of a Maiko by Reagan Dixon

  • 2nd place- Livin' the Life by R.J Cartwright

  • 3rd place- I Still Remember by Jade Withrow

  • Honorable mention- The End and Forever by Millane Berry

Paxton Junk who won first place for his poem The Line Man said he wrote it based on his dad, who was able to watch him read it during the reception. He said it helps him to always remember his dad even when he is away working.

All submissions from this year's contest were compiled into a book that is currently available for purchase at the library for $5. Winners were given this book as well as a certificate to commemorate their win.

Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Chillicothe library celebrates young poets