EDGEMONT – The poetic talents of Nykko Imel and NorahMillerwererecognized in the recent Louine Schauffer Youth Poetry Contest. Nykko Imel secured second place, and Norah Miller received an Honorable Mention in the middle school category of The Louine Schaufler Youth Poetry Contest. The contest, established in the fall of 2021, aims to foster creativity among South Dakota students and encourages them to explore the theme of “growing up in South Dakota” through poetry.
The Louine Schaufler Youth Poetry Contest accepts submissions between Aug. 1 and Nov. 15 each year. Students from middle school and high school categories can submit up to three of their best poems related to life in South Dakota. While the theme is central, the poems need not be autobiographical, allowing young poets the freedom to express their thoughts and emotions.
The contest, initiated by Jane Wheeler in honor of her Aunt Louine Schaufler, seeks to keep alive the spirit of encouragement that Aunt Louine provided to aspiring writers.
Nykko Imel captured the judges’ attention with his poetry skills, earning them second place in the middle school category. Imel wrote an acrostic poem titled “Dirt Bikes.” This poem delves into the world of dirt biking through the hills.
An acrostic poem is a piece of writing with a specific set of letters —typically the first letter of each line or word —that spells out a word or phrase with special significance to the text.
Norah Miller received an Honorable Mention for her outstanding entry, demonstrating their ability to convey the essence of growing up in South Dakota through verse. Miller wrote an acrostic poem titled “Ranching.”
The judging panel, comprised of South Dakota State Poetry Society board members, evaluated the entries and selected the winners. The 2023 contest judges were Holly Moseley, Camp Crook poet and SDSPS Board Member, and Ruth Harper, Brookings’ poet and SDSU Emerita Professor. The winners in each category (middle school and high school) were awarded cash prizes, with $75 for first place, $50 for second place, and $25 for third place.
The Louine Schaufler Youth Poetry Contest is not only a platform for young poets to showcase their talents but also a testament to the enduring spirit of Louine Schaufler, a South Dakota native known for her kindness, community involvement, and love for children.
Born in Lebanon, S.D., in 1923, Louine Wheeler’s legacy lives on through this annual contest, inspiring young poets to explore their creativity and celebrate their unique connection to the South Dakota way of life. Louine’s memory continues to serve as a source of encouragement for aspiring poets, just as she was for her niece, Jane Wheeler, who initiated this contest in her honor.
As South Dakota’s young poets continue to find their voices and express their experiences through the Louine Schaufler Youth Poetry Contest, Aunt Louine’s spirit of support and encouragement lives on, providing a platform for the next generation of poets to shine.
Following are the two student’s poetry.
Ranching
By: Norah Miller
Round up cows Alfalfa Napping after work Cows wander the fields Hay bales In the pasture No days off Going to work
Dirt Bikes
By: Nykko Imel
Don’t die In the hills Ride like you got nine lives The track will make you better Buy and sell In the plains Kick that shifter Ease through the track the first time Southern Hills ride