The Graybeal-Gowen Prize for Virginia Poets

Open for submissions each year in October, the Graybeal-Gowen Prize honors a single poem by a poet living in or born in Virginia, as well as those with long-term residency in the past. Submit as many as three poems, each no longer than fifty lines, along with brief biographical note, which should confirm the basis for eligibility as a Virginian. Shenandoah editors create the shortlist, and one winning poem is selected by an outside judge to receive the $1000 prize and publication in the spring issue of Shenandoah. All submissions will be considered for publication. No Washington and Lee staff, faculty, or their families are eligible. The Graybeal-Gowen Prize was established to honor the memory of WLU graduate and lover of poetry, Howerton Gowen.

Past winners include darlene anita scott, Hayden Saunier, Arianne Elena Payne, Shaina Phenix, Emma Aylor, Nancy Schoenberger, Judith McCombs, Margaret Mackinnon, Elizabeth Murawski, Kevin Hart, and Jennifer Key.

Recent judges include Tim Seibles, Anna Maria Hong, Deborah Miranda, and Kyle G. Dargan.