The 13 Finalists of the 2022 National Poetry Month Poster Contest for Students

The Academy of American Poets is pleased to announce the thirteen finalists of the 2022 National Poetry Month Poster Contest for Students. One hundred and seventy high school students from across the country responded to an open call for submissions, and thirteen students from seven different states have been named finalists.

The winning student, to be determined by Nikki Grimes, New York Times-bestselling author and poet, and Rafael López, New York Times-bestselling illustrator, will have their artwork featured on 100,000 posters that will be distributed for free to schools, libraries, bookstores, and families nationwide for the April 2022 celebration of National Poetry Month. 

The finalists are:

Andrew B., Grade 11, Massachusetts 

Leila C., Grade 10, Ohio

Stephanie C.L., Grade 11, New York

Lena G., Grade 10, New York

Lauren K., Grade 12, Colorado

Lara L., Grade 11, New York

Jill M., Grade 11, Massachusetts

Caroline P., Grade 11, Massachusetts

Lauren R., Grade 11, Minnesota 

Mackenzie R., Grade 12, Georgia 

Kristen S., Grade 11, New York

Joan W., Grade 12, Armed Forces Pacific 

Emily Z., Grade 11, Massachusetts. 

View the artwork of the thirteen finalists. 

The winning student, who will be announced in January 2022, will be featured on Poets.org and in American Poets magazine, and will receive $1,000 in cash and prizes. The runner-up will receive $250. 

Thank you to all who participated!