The Camden Junior Welfare League (CJWL) honored nine student poets during a special awards presentation for its fourth annual poetry contest, held April 22 at the Arts Center of Kershaw County’s Black Box Theater.
Approximately 55 students from across Kershaw County participated in this year’s competition. The event celebrated the winners across general and themed categories, highlighting works that explored beauty, emotion, and empowerment.
“What an incredible night it was,” said Amber Weber, CJWL’s publicity chair. “We proudly honored the creativity, courage, and heart of our young poets from across Kershaw County.”
Poetry Contest Winners
General Category Winners
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Clarissa Hunt, Lugoff-Elgin High School — “Beautiful Day”
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Khloe McClain, Camden High School — Untitled
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Miriam Byrum, Camden High School — “Orange”
Special Category Winner (Women’s Empowerment)
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Heydi V. Acosta Cardona, Camden Middle School — Untitled
Honorable Mentions – General Category
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Miriam Sirmon, Lugoff-Elgin High School — “The Sparrow”
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Tiana Benjamin, Camden Middle School — Untitled
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Holden Diegert, Camden High School — “Thankful”
Honorable Mentions – Special Category
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Ayla Neely, Liberty University Online Academy — Untitled
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Zahcary Skar, Camden Military Academy — “The Fight for Female Empowerment”
The CJWL extended its thanks to all students, parents, and educators who supported the event. Additional acknowledgments went to the Camden Poets Society for judging the general entries, and to the event sponsors: Eve Carlin, Joanna Craig, Shameka Huff, Angela Knights, and Heather Reid.
Weber also praised the Arts Center of Kershaw County for hosting the evening and thanked Camden Military Academy and the Kershaw County School District for their ongoing support.
According to contest organizers, entries were submitted by students from Camden High School, Camden Middle School, Lugoff-Elgin High School, North Central High School, North Central Middle School, Camden Military Academy, and one online school.
Winning Poems
“Beautiful Day”
By Clarissa Hunt, Lugoff-Elgin High School
My favorite hymn is the sound of the wind in the trees
Bird chirps flowing through their leaves
And a feeling of simple hope
carried on the breeze…
(Full poem continues with vivid natural imagery and themes of gratitude.)
Untitled
By Khloe McClain, Camden High School
The air feels heavy, thick and tight,
Like the world forgot about light.
i feel it deep down, i feel it strong
Something’s different, something’s wrong…
(This introspective poem explores childhood fears and unspoken truths.)
“Orange”
By Miriam Byrum, Camden High School
I’m the color that cuts through peace
Too loud, too bright, I never cease
I’m the flame that crackles the noise I’m the air
But in your quiet world, I’m too much to bear…
(A powerful reflection on identity and social alienation.)
Untitled (Women’s Empowerment)
By Heydi V. Acosta Cardona, Camden Middle School
In the gentle light of morning,
your beauty radiates,
a warmth that fills the room…
(A tribute to maternal love and the quiet strength of women.)
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CJWL’s annual poetry contest continues to offer a vital platform for young writers in Kershaw County to express themselves through the written word. The organization said it looks forward to building on this year’s success and further inspiring creativity in the years to come.
