Poetry Contest

Click here to see the list of winners for the 2025 Poetry Contest.

The contest is open to New Milford residents in the following four categories:

• Youth 8 – 12
• Young Adult 13 – 18
• Adult 19 – 55
• Senior 56 and up

A blind read of poems to select winners was conducted by New Milford’s Poet Laureate Deborah Rose, Canterbury School English Department Chair Madelaine Lord, and New Milford Public Library Services Librarian Amy Berkun.

The contest featured a reading of the winning poems on May 17 at the New Milford Public Library and poets were award cash prizes, which were funded by the Arts Commission. The winning poems were also on display at the Library from May 11th – June 11th.

Read the guidelines for submitting your poem here.

Deborah Rose worked with the Arts Commission and the New Milford Library in 2023 to revive the contest from years past. “We have had a great reception the last two years, and we look forward to more submissions this year,” Rose said.

For more information, go to the New Milford Now Poetry Contest page.

2025 Winners

Youth: Claire Benson – First, Ariella Di Laura -Second. HM – Fulton Cole, Cooper Wollenhaupt
Young Adult: Riley Tierney – First, Sabatino Di Laura. HM – Kyra Chandler, Alyssa Amorando, Riley Tierney
Adult: Melissa Hanrahan – First, Denise Trach – Second. HM – Melissa Hanrahan, Daniel August
Senior: Rocco Russo – First, Second – Rocco Russo. HM – Mary Vallo, Anita Fabian

2024 Winners

Youth: Claire Benson – First, Stella Pozzula – Second.
Young Adult: Andreau Guiseppi – First, Kyra Chandler – Second.
Adult: Melissa Hanrahan – First, Greta Boesel – Second,
Senior: Mary Vallo – First, Second.

2023 Winners

Youth: Lucy Abin – First, Kennerly Doenges – Second
Young Adult: Julianna Fontanilla – First, Kyra Chandler – Second
Adult: Melissa Hanrahan – First, Martha Readyoff – Second
Senior: Mary Vallo – First, Susie Hackel – Second