Governor’s America250 Poetry Contest
Governor Patrick Morrisey is inviting West Virginians of all ages to submit an original poem celebrating the rich history and shared values of West Virginia and the United States of America. As the nation prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of independence, this contest offers residents an opportunity to share their voice and reflect on the people, places, and defining moments that have shaped our history.
Poetry submissions close June 24, 2026.
Submission & Formatting Criteria
To ensure a standardized evaluation process, all entries must adhere strictly to the following requirements:
Format: Submissions must be typed in a standard, legible 12-point font (e.g., Times New Roman or Arial) and submitted as a PDF or Word document (.docx).
Originality: All poems must be completely original, unpublished works. AI-generated content, plagiarism, or use of copyrighted material will result in immediate disqualification.
Length: Poems must not exceed 40 lines (excluding the title). There is no minimum line count.
Poetic Style: Submissions may be written in free verse, rhymed, narrative, or traditional forms (such as Haiku or Sonnets).
Tone: Content must remain nonpartisan and politically neutral, focusing on unity, history, culture, and civic pride. Entries must be respectful and appropriate for public display in government facilities and public schools.