HP LitFest is thrilled to share the love of literature with all our HPISD schools. Each spring, we sponsor an Elementary School Poetry Contest, where 3rd and 4th graders from across the district submit poems based on a specific theme. This year’s theme was “Perseverance.” These poems were read and reviewed by students at Highland Park High School who voted and determined five winning entries, one from each elementary school campus. The artwork was created by students in Jessica Butler’s Highland Park Middle School art classes.
Please visit the Highland Park and University Park Libraries to see these beautiful works in person and join us in celebrating these talented poets.
Click on the images below to read each poem!
2025 Poetry Contest Winners
- Armstrong – Siyan Li, “Braver and Brighter“
- Boone – Hayley Price, “A Steady Landing“
- Bradfield – Elise Hodges, “Beautiful Sad Life“
- Hyer – Luke Davis, “Flowers in the Valley”
- University Park – Sofia Forlino, “The Key“
Poetry Contest for 3rd and 4th Graders
Encourage your 3rd or 4th grader to write a poem for the HP LitFest Poetry Contest! The theme will be announced at a later date.
All poems will be reviewed by the HP LitFest student committee at HPHS. Winning entries will be illustrated by art students from HPMS. Winners will also be awarded a gift card. Interested students can submit their entries to their school librarian beginning in January 2026.
Author Visit
During LitFest 2020, in addition to the district-wide poetry contest, University Park Elementary welcomed author Ann Stautz to share her book, Off the Chart: the Amazing Story of the Alphabet Zebra, with all UP pre-k, kindergarten, and first grade students. The kids loved learning about Zeke the Zebra, who is powered by love and who helps children succeed by encouraging kindness.
We’re excited to introduce HP Litfest to our elementary friends!