The first place winning poems in both categories were published in the Sacramento News and Review (SN&R) Arts & Culture section on September 5, 2024. Be sure to check them out!
Congratulations to the winners from the Ode to Earth 2024 youth writing contest! There is a wealth of talent among young people in Sacramento, and it was a privilege to read so many beautifully written, heartfelt poems and essays.
Young Adult (Age 17-24)
1st Place Winner
Irie Garrett, “Oasis”
2nd Place Winner
California Burns, “The Dave Moore”
Youth Writer (Age 12-16)
1st Place Winner
Khivi Singh, “Mother Ganges”
2nd Place Winner
Madeline Longoria, “Why We Breathe: An Ode to Humans and Nature”
We appreciate all the work our volunteers (of all ages!) put into this event and competition, as well as our incredible partners in this effort at 916 Ink. And THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to write and enter your amazing essays and poems! Keep writing and expressing yourself – you have such important things to say that people need to hear.
