Shimer's Annual Poetry Contest's winners were announced today at Community Tuesday. This contest is possible due to a Shimer alum, Peter Cooley, class of 1962. Several years ago he began sponsoring a poetry contest, which is part of the University and College Poetry Prize Program of the Academy of American Poets.
The contest began in early February. Each Shimer student was encouraged to submit up to five poems apiece before March 17. The poems were then judged by three facilitators: Eileen Buchanan, Harold Stone and Stuart Patterson.
Today, in front of fellow Shimerians, winners Naomi Neal and John Shaw read their winning poems. Naomi's was a personal poem entitled, "First Snow" and John's a series of poetic anecdotes about his teeth, called, "Wisdom Teeth (In Memoriam)". Both are first-year students. I interviewed Naomi, a Montaigne winner, on the Shimer blog back in February. John is originally from Portland, Oregon. The winners also received a cash prize.
Several other Shimerians shared their own poetry, or read famous poems that they enjoyed. The Quality of Life Committee provided lunch from Jimmy John's for the festivities.
First place poetry winners Naomi Neal and John Shaw.
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