First Place

Several months ago I entered a poem in the local Community Arts Challenge.  Later, I received a letter saying that my writing had been "accepted".   I did not really know what that involved,  but wrote the date on the calendar when I was supposed to attend the "community arts celebration".

When we got to the Performing Arts Center,  I discovered that the writing entries were enlarged and displayed on panels, and were exhibited on the Art Gallery, along with all the Fine Arts entries.  I thought that alone was pretty fantastic.  I noticed that there were seven entries in the Writing Category that had been "accepted" (put on display).

There were also three musical entries, so all the gathered people went into the theater to listen to the musical pieces, followed by the naming of the winners and awarding of the prizes.  When they explained the judging method,  the director explained that this had resulted in many "ties", so most of the categories had multiple winners.   I hoped that I would at least receive an honorable mention.

Third place winners were announced,  then second.  And much to my shock and delight, my name was called as the First Place winner in the Writing Category.  (I was the only one;  didn't have to share my place).   There was also a cash prize that went along with the certificate, and the winning piece will also be published in the local newspaper, I am sure.   The theme for the Arts Challenge was community.  My poem was entitled Ode to Community.

I am suddenly remembering a similar occasion long long ago.   In my senior year of college,  I won a writing contest,  but I was away doing my Student Teaching at the time, and not present to receive the recognition.  Forty four years later,  I get to relish my victory.  Sweet.  Sweet!

It's really great to be recognized!