Please return early in the 2026-2027 school year for application information

Annually, Georgia Poet Laureate Chelsea Rathburn announces the annual Poet Laureate’s Prize, awarded for an original poem written by a Georgia high school student.

“To participate in this competition was a way for me to show the world my artistic prowess and what I can do,” said 2025 Poet Laureate’s Prize winner Jada Michelle Ellis. “If you love the arts and want to show off your love, this is a wonderful opportunity to do so.”  

The Poet Laureate’s Prize contest is open to all Georgia high school students, grades 9-12, who are currently enrolled in a Georgia public school, accredited private school, or home school. All participants must be a resident of the State of Georgia. Minors must have their parent’s or legal guardian’s permission to enter.