Announcing the Winners of the 2024 UCO Department of English Poetry Contest

June 7, 2024

Monica Flores, the first place winner of the 2024 UCO English Poetry Competition

When good poetry reaches us, it stirs something we struggle to describe, a part of ourselves that is ever-present and expansive, even if it is too often underfed. This is what the liberal arts seeks to study and to preserve, the part that knew how to sing before it understood anything at all. That song is where movement is.

We are thrilled to announce the winners of the University of Central Oklahoma Department of English’s Poetry Contest. These talented poets have truly stirred our souls with their exceptional work, showcasing the best of what our college has to offer.

First Place: Monica Flores

Prize: $250
Year: Junior
Major: Technical Writing
Minor: Asian Studies, Modern Languages-Spanish

Monica Flores’ work captivated the judges with its clarity and beauty, earning her the top prize in this year’s competition. Her ability to weave technical precision with emotive language sets her apart, and we are proud to celebrate her achievement.

Second Place: Monica A. Hernandez

Prize: $100
Year: Senior
Major: Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies
Minor: Creative Writing

Monica A. Hernandez, a senior majoring in Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies, impressed the judges with her insightful and poignant poetry. Her unique perspective and creative flair have earned her the second-place prize, highlighting her as a powerful voice in contemporary poetry.

Third Place: Emma McCarthey

Prize: $100
Year: Graduate Student
Program: MA in Creative Writing

Emma McCarthey, a graduate student pursuing her MA in Creative Writing, takes the third-place prize. Her work demonstrates a deep understanding of the craft and a sophisticated approach to poetic expression. We are excited to see her continued contributions to the literary world.

Judging Panel

This year’s competition was judged by the esteemed director of UCO’s creative writing program, Dr. Tobias Wray, and the talented artist-in-residence, Zachary Scalzo. Their expertise and dedication to nurturing young poets have been invaluable in selecting this year’s winners.

Celebrating Our Poets

We are so proud of these poets, whose poems were among the best songs our college produced this year. Their clarity and beauty remind us who we are and what we have to say about experience and wonder. The English Department is honored to display their poems in a place of prominence throughout the coming academic year, ensuring that their voices continue to inspire our community.

Congratulations to Monica Flores, Monica Hernandez and Emma McCarthey, and thank you to all who participated in this year’s contest. Your words are a testament to the power of poetry and the enduring spirit of the liberal arts.