As laureate, I served as final judge for this competition spearheaded by the Illinois Center for the Book, Illinois State Library, and Jesse White, Illinois Secretary of State. Its purpose is to recognize and reward Illinois emerging writers - that is, those writers who've not yet published a book but those on the cusp of greater accomplishment in their art. The 2005 competition focused on identifying emerging poets.

Each winner received $300 and an award plaque. In addition, three Illinois literary journals - Ninth Letter, Another Chicago Magazine, and Rhino - have agreed to consider the winning works for publication.

2005 Emerging Poets Award Winners

Rosanna Lloyd / Chicago, IL

Elliot Mandel / Glen Ellyn, IL

Joseph Woods / Park Forest, IL

2005 Honorable Mention

Stacy Osci-Kuffour / Glenwood, IL

2005 Final Judge
Kevin Stein

2005 Judges
Michael Anania
Nina Corwin
Ray Elliot
Allan Johnston
Rodney Jones
Judy Jordan
Marcellus Leonard
Lee Newton
Julie Parsons-Nesbitt
Taylor Pensoneau
Cin Salach
Christine Swanberg
Ashley Tillis
Gale Walden

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