Elementary School Contest

In 2010, Belmont began partnering with Metro Nashville Public Schools to sponsor a poetry contest in conjunction with Belmont's Annual Family Literacy Day. First through fourth grade students are invited to submit original poems based on the current year's theme.

The theme for this year's 14th Annual Elementary School Poetry Contest is "Favorite Character", and children from Metro Nashville Elementary Schools submitted poems about their favorite character from a story in literature.

Five finalists were selected by the Belmont English Club, and the poets worked with local professional songwriters, Sherrie Austin, Zoe Cummins, Will Rambeaux and Olivia Rudeen to set their poems to music. The winners shared the following prize money ($500 - 1st, $300 2nd, $200 3rd, $100 each for 4th and 5th) which was split evenly between the poet and their classroom teacher to benefit their class. 

This year's songs are listed below in their order of placement in this year's contest. Enjoy!

1. GREAT IS THE SUN -- see lyrics // see original poem  
2. HONEY BEE -- see lyrics // see original poem 
3. MIDNIGHT -- see lyrics // see original poem 
4. THE BLUE SEA -- see lyrics // see original poem
5. RED FLOWER -- see lyrics // see original poem