Record number of poets enter contest

Sixteen poets, ranging in age from 13 to 71, were showcased at the annual National Poetry Month contest.

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An awards presentation sponsored by Center for Primary Care and PRA Publishing was held at the J.S Hardin Performing Arts Center on April 30.

Cash prizes of $50, $35 and $25 were given to top entries in the middle school, high school and adult categories. Community guest reader Dr. Mac A. Bowman provided a presentation on the importance of having the ability to be creative on paper as an outlet from his medical practice. He read poetry he wrote as a tribute to his late mother.

An open mic presentation was given by the Greenbrier Literary Club, with readers including Justina Mason, Jennifer Marshall, Lorendana Seard and Daniel Barber.

The contest drew 135 entries, which is the largest response in the contest's seven-year history, and included a book giveaway sponsored by Bill and Ellen Hinz.