Attendance at convention is required, but poetry is to be submitted to teacher for entry six weeks or so before the convention (exact deadline forthcoming).
"All poems must be in English, must be no longer than thirty two lines, and must have a classical theme. Poems must be of original composition; no paraphrasing of existing poetry (ancient or modern) is permitted. Poetry entries will not be returned. No student may enter more than one poem, and each school is limited to 5 entries per grade level. Entrants should include one cover page and one typed, double spaced copy of the poem. The cover page should include the title of the poem, the student's name, school, and grade, and the name and signature of the student's sponsor. The signature of the sponsor indicates the sponsor's awareness and approval of the contents of the poem. The page(s) of the poem should also contain the title of the poem but no other identifying information. Judging will be by grade level (grades 7 through 12). The criteria for judging will be adherence to classical theme, verse form and style, originality, and creative use of language."