Bucks County Poet Laureate
Celebrate the power of poetry by entering the Bucks County Poet Laureate Contest. Open to Bucks County residents ages 18 and older, the contest recognizes outstanding poets and continues a tradition that has honored local literary talent for nearly 50 years. If you're ready to share your work, submit your entry and become part of this distinguished program.
Enter to Win
How to Enter
Complete the online entry form by Friday, September 25, 2026 to be considered.
Eligibility and Submission Guidelines
- Entrants to the competition must be Bucks County residents and 18 years or older.
- Poetry of any kind is welcome.
- The entry requires 10 poems, any style, form, or length.
- All work must be original, published or unpublished, typewritten or word-processed, one poem per page, in black ink.
The new Poet Laureate will be announced this fall.
Madeline Marriott: 49th Bucks County Poet Laureate
Madeline Marriott is a freelance journalist and independent bookseller from Holland. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in writing at Saint Joseph's University and will publish her first children's book this May. She co-founded the English Club and the yearly Poetry Slam at Lafayette College. Her poetry has appeared in the Turning Leaf Journal, Engine Idling, and more. When she's not reading or writing, she stays busy watching Philadelphia sports and hunting for the best latte in town.
Dr. Allen Hoey Memorial Legacy Scholarship
Awarded to a BCCC student who specializes in the writing of fiction. Applicants must be enrolled at least part time (minimum of three (3) credits) and intend to return to BCCC in the following academic year after the award is made to enroll in a minimum of three credits. There is no minimum grade point average required. Learn more.
A Tradition of Celebrating Poetry
The Bucks County Poet Laureate Contest is the oldest program of its kind in Pennsylvania. Established in 1977 by the Bucks County Council on the Arts, it has recognized outstanding poets and celebrated the literary arts for nearly 50 years.
Since the program began, each Bucks County Poet Laureate has been recognized by the Bucks County Commissioners and invited to share their work at a commissioners meeting. The program has long brought poets and the community together through public readings and celebrations.
In 1986, Bucks County Community College became the program's sponsor and has continued its tradition of honoring local poets. The College also launched the Bucks County High School Poet of the Year Contest in 1988, expanding opportunities to recognize young writers.
Today, the Poet Laureate program continues to celebrate the rich literary talent found throughout Bucks County. Poet Laureates and runners-up are invited to read their work at Bucks County Community College during a public reception celebrating poetry and the arts.
Over the years, Poet Laureates have earned prestigious honors, including Guggenheim Fellowships, National Endowment for the Arts fellowships, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts fellowships and other regional and national awards. Their accomplishments reflect the lasting impact and excellence of the Bucks County Poet Laureate program.