In the time of the coronavirus, poetry is never needed more.

To commemorate “National Poetry Month” in April, the Lehigh Valley Press presents the 15th annual Student Poetry Project.

Please see the Focus pages on The Press websites for poems in Elementary School, Middle School and High School categories.

This year because of the coronavirus pandemic social distancing guidelines, students whose poems were chosen for first place were not able to read their poems nor be interviewed for “Lehigh Valley Arts Salon” on WDIY, 88.1, wdiy.org, Lehigh Valley Public Radio and NPR affiliate.

Because of social distancing guidelines, the Student Poetry Project adjudication committee convened virtually and via email read the poems submitted by students from the Lehigh Valley region.

The Press Student Poetry Project committee included George VanDoren, retired Bethlehem Area School District English teacher, and committee chair; Bonnie Bleiler, writing teacher, middle school, high school, Cornerstone Educational Community; Ann E. Michael, poet, assistant director, DeSales University writing center; Marilyn Hazelton, poet and teaching artist, and Shirley Daluisio, retired, Bethlehem Area School District English teacher.

The Lehigh Valley Press thanks the students who entered their poems, as well as the school teachers, parents and guardians who encouraged them.

The Press Student Poetry Project has received several awards, including a 2018 Professional Keystone Press Award.