2026 Poetry Contest Winners Announced

On May 23, 2026, New Milford Public Library hosted a public reading and ceremony for the winners of New Milford’s fourth annual Poetry Contest. The contest, co-sponsored by New Milford Commission on the Arts, Town of New Milford, and New Milford Public Library, recognized winners from four different categories: youth, young adult, adult, and seniors.

The event featured readings by the contest winners and New Milford Poet Laureate Deborah Rose. Lou Mandler, Chair of the New Milford Arts Commission, welcomed guests.

The winners of each category are as follows:

Youth (8-12)

Claire Benson (first)

Sullivan Blatti (second and honorable mention)

Young Adult (13-18)

Riley Tierney (first and NMPL Honors)

Annika Lee (second)

Miranda King (honorable mention)

Adult (19-55)

D.A. Schorr (first and honorable mention)

Christina S. Varba (second)

Jessica Ryan (NMPL Honors)

Seniorn (55+)

Susie Hackel (first and honorable mention)

Mary Vallo (second)

Margaret Fitzgerald (honorable mention)

Stephen J. Sterk (honorable mention)

Linda Robinson (NMPL Honors)