This contest is in memoriam to honor Lynn DeCaro, a young CPS member who passed away from leukemia in 1986. It is made possible through the generous support of The Betty and Al DeCaro Family.
Open to Connecticut poets in grades 9-12. Submit up to three unpublished poems, in one document. No more than one poem per page. Each poem may be up to 40 lines in length. Do not put any contact info on poems.
There is no entry-fee for this contest. The following prizes will be awarded: $150 (1st), $100 (2nd), and $50 (3rd).
NOTES: AI-generated work is not accepted. Winners of a CPS contest in 2025 are not eligible to win in 2026.
Open to Connecticut poets only. Winning poems will be published on the Connecticut Poetry Society website and recognized in the Connecticut River Review. Winners in the 2024-2025 contest are not eligible for this year's award.
General Guidelines
- Submit up to three unpublished poems, in one document, no more than one poem per page.
- Each poem can be up to 80 lines in length.
- Do not put any contact information on the file; contact info is collected separately in Submittable.
- Simultaneous submissions are acceptable, but please notify us immediately upon acceptance elsewhere.
Prizes
- 1st $200; 2nd $100; 3rd $50.
- The first-place winner receives a one-year membership in Connecticut Poetry Society.
Notes
- This is the only way entries may be submitted.
- AI-generated poetry is prohibited.
- CPS members get one free submission. If you'd like to submit a second entry, you may use the non-member paid submission form.
Open to Connecticut poets only. Winning poems will be published on the Connecticut Poetry Society website and recognized in the Connecticut River Review. Winners in the 2024-2025 contest are not eligible for this year's award.
General Guidelines
- Submit up to three unpublished poems, in one document, no more than one poem per page.
- Each poem can be up to 80 lines in length.
- Do not put any contact information on the file; contact info is collected separately in Submittable.
- Simultaneous submissions are acceptable, but please notify us immediately upon acceptance elsewhere.
Prizes
- 1st $200; 2nd $100; 3rd $50.
- The first-place winner receives a one-year membership in Connecticut Poetry Society.
Notes
- This is the only way entries may be submitted.
- AI-generated poetry is prohibited.
- Additional submissions are welcome with an additional fee.