Gloucester’s young literary talents submitted nearly 200 poems to the 2025 Poetry Without Paper contest and Sawyer Free Library announced the winners during a recent awards ceremony at Gloucester High School’s library.
A standing-room-only crowd of friends, families, and community members gathered to hear moving readings from the student winners.
Now in its 23rd year, Poetry Without Paper continues to showcase the creativity, emotional depth and passion for writing of Gloucester’s youth. This year’s contest, themed “New Chapter, New Stories, New Beginnings,” invited students to reflect on fresh starts and new possibilities — a timely prompt as the library prepares to move into its newly renovated and expanded space next month.
“For more than two decades, the Sawyer Free Library has fostered a love of poetry, providing young writers with a space to express themselves,” library Director Jenny Benedict said. “This year’s entries were particularly powerful and deeply reflective — proof that poetry continues to thrive among Gloucester’s youth.”
The winners were selected from three categories: elementary, middle, and high school. The contest awarded more than $1,000 in prizes, including Cape Ann gift certificates for top winners and poetry books for honorable mentions. The winning poets also were invited to appear on “The Writer’s Block with John Ronan,” a 1623 Studios production and their work will be featured on Sawyer Free Library’s website.
The awards were presented by former Gloucester Poet Laureate and contest co-founder John Ronan, with newly appointed Gloucester Co Poet Laureate Heidi Wakeman.
“Over the years, we’ve received thousands of poems from hundreds upon hundreds of students. And this year — like every year — I was once again impressed by the maturity, insight, and intelligence in their work. These young poets are paying close attention to the world around them and are sharing their hopes, fears, and reflections through poetry,” Ronan said in his opening remarks
Heidi Wakeman followed by saying, “Poetry is a powerful way of expressing language,” and added, “What a great night for Gloucester as we celebrate these talented young writers.”
The Poetry Without Paper contest is open each spring to Gloucester kindergartners through 12th graders. Participants are encouraged to explore a theme but may write on any topic in 30 lines or fewer.
More information about Poetry Without Paper, the winning poems, or to learn more about Sawyer Free Library’s youth programming, visit www.SawyerFreeLibrary.org