Description
The City of Annapolis in partnership with the Organization of Hispanics/Latin Americans (OHLA), the Center of Help, Chesapeake Children Museum, and our Poet Laureate Jefferson Holland, is pleased to announce that we are opening applications for the sixth issue of “Around Each Corner,” a youth poetry book created to share the voices of our city’s youth.
This project got its start in 2021 as a classroom initiative of Mrs. Romey Pittman, where young people were asked to share poetry that told their stories, backgrounds, experiences, lives, and traditions. Her assignment was inspired by the “Where I Am From” poem by George Ella Lyon.
The City of Annapolis enhanced the project by launching a poetry contest in April 2021 in what is both “Month of Poetry” and “Diversity Month.” It proved an excellent opportunity for young people to share their poetry and provided a chance for them to be published.
Poetry is an important form of expression. It is a way to find meaning in experiences. It is an exercise tool for strengthening memory muscles and building self-confidence.
To continue to highlight the City’s diversity, to showcase the different backgrounds and lives that our youth have lived, and to shine a light on their creative potential, we have decided to continue this project into another year.
Young poets can use these themes for inspiration:
Where I’m From:
They shared poems that told their stories, backgrounds, experiences, lives, and traditions. Their assignment was inspired by the poem "Where I Am From" by George Ella Lyon.
Roots and Wings:
Write a poem that explores your cultural heritage and how it shapes your identity. Consider the traditions, values, or stories that have been passed down to you.
A Day in My Community:
Describe a day in your neighborhood or community, focusing on the places, sounds, and people that make it special. What does your community mean to you?
Celebrating Diversity:
Reflect on what diversity means in your life. Write a poem about the different cultures, languages, or traditions you encounter and how they enrich your world.
Echoes of the Past:
Think of a family story or memory that has been shared with you. Write a poem that captures the essence of that story and its impact on your life.
Dreams for Tomorrow:
Imagine your hopes and dreams for the future. Write a poem that expresses what you aspire to achieve and how your heritage inspires those dreams.
Requirements:
In order to participate in this contest, you must:
Be enrolled in an Annapolis educational institution, home school, or pursuing a degree at Anne Arundel Community College.
Submit your poem by filling out the poem application by August 17, 2026
Poem Guidelines:
Write a poem inspired by George Ella Lyon about where you are from, you can read her poem here. You can either use her template or write a poem in freestyle about where you are from, your culture, traditions, your family, and/or what makes you, YOU. If you would like to submit a drawing that accompanies your poem, please feel free to do so as well.
Applications will be accepted from March 5th, 2026 to August 17, 2026. The presentation of the book is scheduled for October of 2026. You may also email your poems to rjsmith@annapolis.gov
For questions and/or poetry applications, please email: enlace@annapolis.gov with the subject line, YOUTH POETRY.
NEW THIS YEAR!
The Office of Hispanic Community Services is calling all young artists to submit their favorite work of art. The public will vote to select the cover for this year’s poetry book. All submissions that are original to the artist and comply with City guidelines will be displayed in the City Hall Latin Art Gallery during Hispanic Heritage Month, when we will also present Volume 6 of Around Each Corner book.
To submit your work of art use this Google Form.
Deadline: August 12, 2026.