RCC Spring Poetry Contest

Guidelines for the Robeson Community College Poetry Contest

The English department is sponsoring this event.  All contestants must do the following:

1. Fill out the application form completely. (Incomplete application forms accompanying the entry will result in disqualification.)
2. You have a choice of two themes to write about. Pick one of the following:

• Whispers of the Past– Create a poem exploring memories, history, or untold stories that are fading with time.
• Echoes of the Future– Create a poem about a futuristic vision, be it hopeful or dystopian, told from the present moment.

3. Enter typed entries that are 500 words or less; all words, except for the title, will count towards the overall total. (Any entry over 500 words will be disqualified.)
4. Enter original, unpublished, and self-created entries. Using A.I. to write your entries is not allowed. Such entries will be rejected and disqualified.
5. Enter one entry per person with the accompanying application form.
6. Don’t include author’s name on the entry; only center the title above the poem. (All entries will be judged blindly.  Any entries including the author’s name on the entry or within the entry will be disqualified.)
7. Include author’s name only on the application form.

*Note- All judges’ decisions are final.

Categories

There are two categories for this poetry contest.

• Robeson Community College Students including Early College and CCP students
• Robeson Community College Faculty and Staff

Prizes

Winners will receive prizes for first, second, and third place.  

Recognition

1. Winners will receive an invite to read his or her poem at our spring poetry event.
2. Winners will have an opportunity to be on our college website and Facebook page.
3. First Place winners will also be given an opportunity to submit an electronic copy of their poem to be featured in our RCC spring or fall 2025 magazine edition.

Deadline

The deadline to enter this contest is Monday, March 24, 2025.

Entry Return

For return of an entry, please see Ms. Lofton in building 4, room 413 or include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your entry. 

Mail Entry To:  Attention:  Mrs. Sherry Lofton             Drop Entry in Envelope:  In Poetry

                            P.O. Box 1420                              OR       contest box in the library at the front desk                        

                            Lumberton, NC 28359                            or the poetry box in the English                          

                                                                                                Department, building 4.

Application for RCC Spring Poetry Contest

Deadline: March 24, 2025

Name: ____________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________

City: ______________________________________________________________

State: _____________________________________________________________

Zip Code: __________________________________________________________

E-Mail: ___________________________________________________

Home Phone or Cell Phone: ___________________________________________

Student I.D. # (Required if a student):___________________________________

Title of Entry: __________________________________________

Signature:

Place signature on the above line if you wish to grant publication rights.  If you are a minor under the age of 18, please have a parent or guardian sign the above line.

For Committee Use Only

Date Postmarked: ______________________________

Number of Words: ______________________________

Poetry or Prose Entry: ___________________________

Poem # (A-Z):_____________________________