Members of the public are invited to join writers of all ages on Aug. 25, 2024, as they gather at the Leacock Museum (50 Museum Dr.) to recognize nine poets from across the province as part of the K. Valerie Connor Poetry Competition celebration event.
“Orillia has inspired artists for generations and this competition continues to do so,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “On behalf of Council, I would like to congratulate all the award winners, and I encourage residents to join us for the afternoon on Sunday, Aug. 25 to enjoy award-winning poetry at the beautiful, historic Leacock Museum.”
This event begins at 2 p.m. Tickets and pre-registration are not required. The winning poems will be recited and prizes will be awarded. Light refreshments will be served.
This year’s contest, now in its ninth season, received submissions from across the province. Prizes were awarded to the first, second and third place winners in each of the three categories: Adult (over the age of 21), Intermediate (ages 14 to 21), and Elementary (up to and including age 13). The 2024 winners are as follows:
Adult
First Place: Roberta McGill, Intermission
Second Place: Amaya Ojeda, Mother Tongue
Third Place: Mark Hertzberger, Outlook
Intermediate
First Place: Esther Schmidt, Skyside Dream
Second Place: Ayesha Khan, Sanctuary in the Storm
Third Place: Cadance Lam, Dancing Through the Night
Elementary
First Place: Catherine Yuen, Ode to the Four Seasons
Second Place: Sarah Schmidt, The Tea Party
Third Place: Miriam Schmidt, Winter Wind
The K. Valerie Connor Poetry Competition and celebration are made possible due to the generous support of the Connor family. The competition honours one of the Leacock Museum’s cherished volunteers, Valerie Connor, who is best remembered as a local teacher and active community member. Her late husband, Harry Connor, created the Connor Prize to honour Valerie, whose love of the arts touched many lives.
For more information, contact Jenny Martynyshyn, Administrative Coordinator, at 705-238-1953 or jmartynyshyn@orillia.ca.