Sinclair College is inviting writers from both campus and around the community to participate in two upcoming writing contests: the Paul Laurence Dunbar Poetry Contest and Sinclair’s annual Creative Writing Contest. Both contests offer an opportunity for writers to share their work, gain recognition and celebrate creative expression.
The Paul Laurence Dunbar Poetry Contest, coordinated this year by Sinclair English faculty member Sooyoung Chung, asks participants to explore the 2026 theme, “The Mask and What Lies Beneath.”
“The theme is inspired by the poet Dunbar’s famous poem where he wrote, ‘We wear the mask that grins and lies,’” Chung said, noting that the idea of masks and hidden identity appears frequently in Dunbar’s work.
The poetry contest has a long history at Sinclair. According to Chung, the competition has been running for more than two decades and is now in its 26th year. This will be Chung’s first year doing the contest.
Related: Sinclair’s Successful National Day on Writing Event
Participants can submit up to three poems, each with a maximum of 100 lines. Submissions are open to students in grades 6–8 and 9–12, and adults ages 18 and older.
The deadline for submissions is March 13.
Chung said entries do not have to reference Dunbar’s poem directly, but reading his work can be helpful inspiration.
“The entries don’t have to refer to Dunbar’s poem specifically,” Chung said. “But definitely reading that particular poem and some of Dunbar’s other poems can be beneficial.”
Another opportunity for writers is Sinclair’s annual Creative Writing Contest, coordinated by English professor Jamey Dunham. The contest includes three categories: fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction, and is open to both high school students and adults.
The contest has a long tradition at the college.
“I know it’s been going on for at least since the early ’80s,” Dunham said.
Dunham said the contest typically draws a strong group of writers from both Sinclair and the surrounding community. Last year alone, the contest received over 100 submissions.
“We have a lot of talented writers at Sinclair and in the community,” Dunham said. “I’m always impressed by the writing.”
Entries for the Creative Writing Contest are evaluated by rotating English Department faculty members, with separate judges for each genre. Winners receive a cash award, publication in a booklet and recognition at the Sinclair Spectrum Awards Ceremony in April.
The deadline to submit is March 20.
For writers hoping to stand out, Dunham said strong voice and originality often make a piece memorable.
“I always love a strong sense of voice that conveys a unique perspective,” Dunham said. “Something that shows me a view of the world in a way I hadn’t thought of before.”
He also encourages writers to carefully review submission requirements before entering.
“Read the guidelines carefully,” Dunham said. “Sometimes people submit the wrong number of pieces or forget important information.”
More importantly, he encourages writers to trust themselves.
“You really just need to go with your gut and have confidence in yourself,” Dunham said.
Related: Wordsmiths Unite for Sinclair’s Annual Writers’ Workshop
With deadlines approaching in March, both contests offer writers a chance to share their work and have their voices recognized. Whether participants are experienced writers or submitting for the first time, organizers say the contests are meant to encourage creativity and confidence. Writers interested in participating can review submission guidelines and send their work before the deadlines to be considered.
Jacie Moore, reporter
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