The North Central Florida chapter of Veterans for Peace announces its 16th Annual Peace Poetry Contest for Alachua County, where all students, grades K–12, are encouraged to submit one original poem focusing on the idea of peace, social justice or environmental justice. A panel of local authors and poets judges the poems based on creativity, content and use of language.
Winning poems will be published in the 2026 Peace Poetry Book and winners asked to recite their poem at the public Peace Poetry Reading on Saturday (May 9th) in Gainesville. Winners will also receive gift certificates from a local bookstore.
The deadline for submissions is Friday (April 3rd). Poems can be submitted at any time until then via email to vfppeacepoetrycontest@gmail.com. Submissions must include the poet’s name, grade level and school, and two preferred methods of contact for the parent/guardian and/or teacher (e-mails and/or phone numbers).
For more information, please email vfppeacepoetrycontest@gmail.com or call Sherry Steiner at (352) 214-6787. To see a copy of the 2025 Peace Poetry Book, visit http://www.vfpgainesville.org/. You can also view the 2025 Peace Poetry Reading/celebration video at this website.
As always, make sure to see your NHS Guidance Counselor for assistance or if you have any questions. 💙💛🐾