2016 Winners
Congratulations to our winners and thank you, everyone, for sharing your poems with me this year. – Laura
CATEGORY 1 WINNERS (10 entries)
FIRST PLACE - “Eternal Lamentation” by Terrance Mawanga, Zimbabwe
Terrance has won a copy of The Naked Storyteller and a 30-minute private coaching session with Laura.
READ Terrance’s winning poem.
“As the pen skids over the surface of the paper with the ink painting remnants of the sinews of my very thoughts, I find solace, hope, comfort and freedom–in the words of poetry. Winning in this contest has been a sublime dose of much needed momentum in my quest to reach greater heights. It has induced excitement and unquenchable encouragement to further my writing pursuits. I thank the Almighty God for the gift and Laura for the opportunity!” – Terrance
SECOND PLACE – “To Be On the Moon” by Aljay M. Ambos, Philippines
Aljay has won $30 CAD credit for the LTC store.
“Without a doubt, winning in this competition has clearly guided me on my search for greatness. To Miss Laura Thomas, great thanks for this inspiring and exceptional experience. You have created a huge impact to the lives of many aspiring writers which, in one way or another, has trained and prepared us to become holistic individuals as we venture towards the uncharted land of opportunities.” – Aljay
THIRD PLACE – “Exam” by H. Ayesha Habib, Pakistan
Ayesha has won $25 CAD credit to spend in the LTC store.
CATEGORY 2 WINNERS (31 entries)
FIRST PLACE - “Road Trip” by Rida Rangoonwala, USA
Rida has won a copy of Polly Wants to Be a Writer and a 30-minute private coaching session with Laura.
READ Rida’s winning poem.
“Just having the opportunity to enter a contest like this is so amazing, and I couldn’t stop grinning when the finalists were published. I wasn’t expecting to win and it means more than I can say. I’ve been jotting down poetry since first grade and it’s become a part of who I am now, so placing in this contest has really boosted my confidence as a writer.Thanks so much for this opportunity, Laura!” – Rida
SECOND PLACE – “Beach Walk” by Billie Reath-Lang, Canada
Billie has won $30 CAD credit for the LTC store.
“I wasn’t expecting to see myself in the names of the finalists, let alone second place! I originally wrote my poem for my English class, and I entered it into the contest thinking ‘why not try it?’ Over the past few years I’ve dabbled with poetry not knowing if it was any good but winning this has gave me confidence with my writing skills. I’m really quite impressed with myself today! Thank you for this opportunity and the boost of confidence! I’m definitely going to remember this the next time I write poetry.” – Billie
THIRD PLACE – “Generic Hearts” by Liam Maki, Canada
Liam has won $25 CAD credit to spend in the LTC store.
“I was so honored and humbled to have become a finalist, and now I’m having difficulty containing my excitement at the news that I’ve achieved third place. I’m extremely grateful for this competition for giving me the competitive drive should all experience from time to time, as it is a desire to achieve. Without it, we don’t get very far. Congratulations to all of the other finalists, and to everyone else who expresses themselves through this truly wonderful form of art.” – Liam
FOURTH PLACE – “Execution” by Lisa Zou, USA
Lisa has won $20 CAD credit to spend in the LTC store.
“My poem centers on how we view Anne Boleyn. She is a great example of how far ambition can drive a young girl into becoming a Queen. Anne was disliked by the people for her relentless ambition and her inability to take the rest of the world into consideration. My poem critiques both the ambitious and the society which posits this into individuals. I believe this contest was a great way for young writers to gain some exposure.” – Lisa
FIFTH PLACE – “Do Not Miss Me” by Alixa Brobbey
Alixa has won $15 CAD credit to spend in the LTC store.
“I have entered this competition for a few years now, and went from not making it to the second round, becoming a finalist, and finally placing fifth place this year. I would like to thank Laura Thomas Communications for everything they have done in the past few years to give young writers a voice. Improving my entry to the competition each year has really helped to show me that with perseverance and willpower you really can achieve anything, so I encourage other writers who have dealt with rejection, like I have, to carry on doing what they love because it will be worth it in the end.” – Alixa
SIXTH PLACE – “Hourglass” by Tallis Baker
Tallis has won $10 CAD credit to spend in the LTC store.
“I never thought I’d so much as get to the finals, but being awarded 6th place is hugely gratifying, and has given me the motivation I need to keep on writing when it all gets hard.” – Tallis
CATEGORY 3 WINNERS (54 entries)
FIRST PLACE - “How to Boil an Egg” by Sarah Ang, Singapore
Sarah opted for $20 CAD LTC store credit and a 30-minute private coaching session with Laura.
READ Sarah’s winning poem.
“Writing is a process inevitably filled with rejection and self-doubt. It’s easy to experience uncertainty about one’s writing, to wonder if you’re any good at what you do, to struggle with anxiety over one’s inadequacies. Winning this competition is a form of validation in myself and my capabilities. It’s also a reminder to keep writing, regardless of setbacks or internal misgivings because, as with everything else, writing only improves with constant practice.” – Sarah
SECOND PLACE – “Whisper in the Woods” by Hannah D. Richards, Canada
Hannah has won $30 CAD credit for the LTC store.
“What a pleasant surprise to see my name under ‘second place!’ I entered this contest on a whim with a poem inspired by an assignment from my outdoor pursuits group leader, and I thought I would be lucky to see my name anywhere. Thank you for helping me reach a goal and inspiring confidence in me and others to keep writing!” – Hannah
THIRD PLACE – “typhoon” by Hannah Davies, USA
Hannah has won $25 CAD credit to spend in the LTC store.
“Wow! I am so honored to place in third in this competition. This has truly boosted my esteem as a writer and inspires me to continue my work. Thank you Laura!” – Hannah
FOURTH PLACE – “Upturned Hourglasses” by Meghna Chatterjee, India
Meghna has won $20 CAD credit to spend in the LTC store.
“It’s wonderful to see my name among the finalists! Placing in a contest is such a big validation of my passions. It’s a push in the right direction. Thanks for hosting this!” – Meghna
FIFTH PLACE – “India, 1935″ by Bethany Wood, England
Bethany has won $15 CAD credit to spend in the LTC store.
“I am delighted to have been placed in this competition! I very much enjoyed writing my poem and exploring the historical theme I chose to base it around. I am very grateful to Laura for all of her work to make this competition possible and the platform she has provided for young writers to grow.” – Bethany
SIXTH PLACE – “Loving Brother, I Owe You” by Sadhri Kumar, Canada
Sadhri has won $10 CAD credit to spend in the LTC store.
“Thank you so much for such a great opportunity and this really means a lot. Through this experience I feel more motivated to write and better my best. I submitted my poem just for kicks, thinking I wouldn’t even make it to the second round. But sixth out of 54 entries is crazy!! Thank you so much, again, Laura! :)” – Sadhri
CATEGORY 4 WINNERS (68 entries)
FIRST PLACE - “Philately” by Rimjhim Tyagi, India
Rhimjhim has won a copy of Polly Wants to Be a Writer and a 30-minute private coaching session with Laura.
READ Rhimjhim’s winning poem.
“I found out about this contest at a point in my life when I was deeply insecure about my poetry. I had a low self esteem as a writer, due to the rejection I’ve faced. I didn’t think that I would win. Just seeing my name along with all the finalists was an indescribable feeling. Winning this contest is just the beginning of my journey; I have a long way to go.” – Rimjhim
SECOND PLACE – “school report, 22.01.96″ by Opefoluwa Sarah Adegbite, United Kingdom
Opefoluwa has won $30 CAD credit for the LTC store.
“There is nothing I love to do more than to write poetry. Placing in this competition has been a great achievement for me, and I give all the glory to God, from who my inspiration, ability and motivation comes. My poem is based on my school experience, and the importance of treasuring every day, every trouble, every talent you are given. I hope to inspire and move people with my writing, and having success in competitions is a great way forward. Congratulations to all the entrants for letting creativity flow out of them!” – Opefoluwa
THIRD PLACE – “For Her” by Eli Redmond, Ireland
Eli has won $25 CAD credit to spend in the LTC store.
“It means a lot to me, as a queer youth, that poetry involving LGBT themes is considered and recognized. I am very happy that my poem about a transgender girl made it to the finals, I am even happier it won third place!” – Eli
FOURTH PLACE – “Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Sylvia Nica, USA
Sylvia has won $20 CAD credit to spend in the LTC store.
“Thank you so much, I am so thrilled that my poem placed! I’ve never been as confident with my poetry as with my prose, but winning this contest gave me the confidence to pursue poetry.” – Sylvia
FIFTH PLACE – “Only Just a Dream” by Venika Vachani, India
Venika has won $15 CAD credit to spend in the LTC store.
SIXTH PLACE – “If We Were” by Brooke Hemingway, USA
Brooke has won $10 CAD credit to spend in the LTC store.
“It is such an amazing experience for me to share my writing with other people, and actually placing in this contest has increased that by about a thousandfold! I am really glad that I entered, because it has inspired me to write more, as well as boosting my confidence. Thank you!” – Brooke
CATEGORY 5 WINNERS (41 entries)
FIRST PLACE - “The Journey” by Anya Ambarish, USA
Anya has won a copy of Polly Wants to Be a Writer and a 30-minute private coaching session with Laura.
READ Anya’s winning poem.
“I have been writing poetry for a little over two years now, and it is by far my favorite form of writing. Winning this contest means so much to me and provides reassurance that I’m on the right track. I’ll keep developing my style, and I hope many more first places are to come!” – Anya
SECOND PLACE – “The Magical Moon” by Dorcas Wong, USA
Dorcas has won $30 CAD credit for the LTC store.
“Thank you so much for this! I can’t express how much this means to me-I screamed in joy when I found out I was a finalist, and now I’m just speechless. I never ever thought I would even place. Thank you so much!” – Dorcas
THIRD PLACE – “A Swan’s Piano” by Scarlett Baldwin, England
Scarlett has won $25 CAD credit to spend in the LTC store.
“This means a lot to me; poetry is my passion and my hobby. I have never won anything before and entered this competition thinking ‘Oh, I won’t come anywhere!’ To come third is a great achievement and hopefully the start of many more!” – Scarlett
FOURTH PLACE – “War” by Aditi Singh, India
Aditi has won $20 CAD credit to spend in the LTC store.
“This is literally the best thing that has ever happened to me. I never thought I would actually get any prize in this competition. Thank you so much, Laura.” – Aditi
FIFTH PLACE – “The Drawing Ark” by Britt Elizabeth Coulter, Australia
Britt has won $15 CAD credit to spend in the LTC store.
“I am so stoked to have came in 5th place, and nobody at school believed that I did! It is such an accomplishment in my work, and I wish to write more pieces like this.” – Britt
SIXTH PLACE – “The Blind Child” by Mahika Shah, India
Mahika has won $10 CAD credit to spend in the LTC store.
“I didn’t expect to be a finalist in this International Competition. I wrote this poem recently and it is about a blind child who became a poet and never gave up. I am pleased that it won 6th place. It has boosted my confidence and encouraged me to continue my passion of writing.” – Mahika
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The Finalists
CATEGORY 1 FINALISTS – AGES 19 to 21
Listed in alphabetical order by title. They are not listed by score or rank. There were 10 entries in this category and only those poems which are relatively equal to or stronger than the finalists in the other age categories were chosen as finalists for this group.
“Eternal Lamentation” by Terrance Mawanga, Zimbabwe
“Exam” by H. Ayesha Habib, Pakistan
“To Be On the Moon” by Aljay M. Ambos, Philippines
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CATEGORY 2 FINALISTS – AGES 17 & 18
Listed in alphabetical order by title. They are not listed by score or rank. There were 31 entries in this category.
“Beach Walk” by Billie Reath-Lang, Canada
“Do Not Miss Me” by Alixa Brobbey, Ghana
“Execution” by Lisa Zou, USA
“Generic Hearts” by Liam Maki, Canada
“Hourglass” by Tallis Baker, Australia
“Road Trip” by Rida Rangoonwala, USA
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CATEGORY 3 FINALISTS – AGES 15 & 16
Listed in alphabetical order by title. They are not listed by score or rank. There were 54 entries in this category.
“How to Boil an Egg” by Sarah Ang, Singapore
“India, 1935″ by Bethany Wood, England
“Loving Brother, I Owe You” by Sadhri Kumar, Canada
“typhoon” by Hannah Davies, USA
“Upturned Hourglasses” by Meghna Chatterjee, India
“Whisper in the Woods” by Hannah D. Richards, Canada
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CATEGORY 4 FINALISTS – AGES 13 & 14
Listed in alphabetical order by title. They are not listed by score or rank. There were 68 entries in this category.
“For Her” by Eli Redmond, Ireland
“If We Were” by Brooke Hemingway, USA
“Only Just a Dream” by Venika Vachani, India
“Philately” by Rimjhim Tyagi, India
“Pitch Black” by Spencer Shin, South Korea
“School Report, 22.01.96″ by Opefoluwa Sarah Adegbite, United Kingdom
“Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Sylvia Nica, USA
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CATEGORY 5 FINALISTS – AGES 11 & 12
Listed in alphabetical order by title. They are not listed by score or rank. There were 41 entries in this category.
“The Blind Child” by Mahika Shah, India
“The Drawing Ark” by Britt Coulter, Australia
“Heaven” by Charlotte Marron, Canada
“The Journey” by Anya Ambarish, USA
“The Magical Moon” by Dorcas Wong, USA
“A Swan’s Piano” by Scarlett Baldwin, England
“War” by Aditi Singh, India
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Hi Laura,
When will the names of the winners be published?
Hi Janine. Next week. I don’t have time today as I had hoped.