Middle School Essay and Poetry Contest

Alexandria Library hosts Annual ‘For Love of Country’ Essay and Poetry Contest 


The Alexandria Library and the For Love of Country Foundation have teamed up to host the 2nd Annual ‘For Love of Country’ Essay and Poetry Contest, “Why Vote?”


Eligible applicants for the essay and poetry contest are upcoming 7th, 8th and 9th graders, as of September 2016. All entries for both contests are due no later thanMonday, September 12 at 5 p.m. 
Essay work will be judged on:

• Originality and creativity;
• Persuasiveness;
• Clarity, coherence and organization;
• Grammar and spelling.

Poetry work will be judged on:

• Originality and creativity;
• Relevance to contest topic;
• Clarity and coherence;
• Spelling. 

All work submitted must be original material and one entry per student is permitted (one essay or one poem). Paper submissions can be turned in by visiting your nearest Alexandria Library. Electronic submissions are accepted by e-mailing [email protected] or submitting an electronic application through our website. 
Prizes will be awarded at a ceremony at Beatley Central Library on Sunday, October 2. Essays and poems will not be returned. Alexandria Library will distribute multiple awards in each of the following categories: $100 Gold; $50 Silver; and $25 Bronze.


For more information on the For Love of Country essay and poetry contest, please e-mail [email protected] or call 703-746-1753.