WHO CAN ENTER  

Adults and students enrolled in public, private, and parochial schools in states with participating NCDA state divisions can enter the Poetry & Art Contest.

Contest division areas include:

• Elementary School (Grades K-2)
• Intermediate School (Grades 3-5)
• Middle/Junior High School (Grades 6-8)
• Senior High School (Grades 9-12)
• Adult Student (18 and older enrolled in College, University, or Training Program)
• Open Adult (18 & older that is in a Non-Student Contest Division)

 POETRY REQUIREMENTS  

MUST match the 2026-2027 national theme.

Acceptable poetic forms: cinquain, free verse, diamante, haiku, limerick, metered, rhyming, blank verse, etc.

Size: Submit each poem on a single sheet of paper 8.5" × 11", 12- point font.

Al: Al-assisted poems are permitted but must include a disclosure of tools and prompts used. See Al guidelines.

 ART REQUIREMENTS  

Lettering: Simple bold lettering is preferred. Captions are to be used to convey the theme, attract attention, and achieve goals of clarity, vigor, and originality.

Art 1 (A1):Standard use of ink, pencil, poster paints, magic marker, acrylics, and oils.

Art 2 (A2): Use of photos, clipart, graphic art software, collage, cut and pasted paper, and mixed media.

Size: Each poster must be created in 8.5" x 11" format, including matte, to be eligible.

Al: Digital artwork created with the help of Al tools is permitted - applicable to Art 2 submissions only.
Full disclosure is required. See Al guidelines

 THEME  

"Charting the Unknown: Mapping Your Future-Paths, Pivots, and Possibilities"

Show us how you imagine your future and the journey that shapes it.

 IMPORTANT DATES 

North Carolina Entry Deadline:

December 20, 2026

National Contest:

State Coordinator Submission

February 20, 2027

 HOW TO SUBMIT 

Submit all North Carolina entries directly to the NCCDA state coordinator(s) using the North Carolina submission process.

The coordinators are:

Dr. La Vera C Brown and Ms. Gloria Debnam

THE NORTH CAROLINA SUBMISSION LINK:

https://forms.gle/Tbh7gnRZiEmgpLS48 

 JUDGING PROCESS  

Judging will be based on originality, creativity, and development of the national theme.

Poems will be evaluated on appropriate form, execution, spelling, and grammar.

Art evaluation will focus on the appropriate use of media, lettering, and basic principles of art.

 STATE AWARDS  

NCCDA state awards:

1st place: $50

2nd place: $25

3rd place: $10

 

 QUESTIONS?

For North Carolina contest questions reach out to NC State Coordinators  Dr. La Vera Brown and Ms. Gloria Debnam

drlaverabrown@gmail.com