Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi and Virginia......
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 13, 2026 Contact: Madelyn Kinyon, press@ghazalahashmi.com Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi and Virginia Humanities Launch Statewide Poetry Contest for K–12 Students RICHMOND, VA — Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi today announced the launch of the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia Poetry Contest, a statewide opportunity inviting students in kindergarten through twelfth grade to share their voices through original poetry. Open to students across the Commonwealth, the contest encourages young Virginians to reflect on the people, places, heritage, and history that shape their lives and their understanding of Virginia. Entries will be accepted through the submission portal through Monday, November 16, 2026. “Poetry reminds us that language is one of our oldest forms of civic participation,” said Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi. “As an educator, I have always believed that learning flourishes when students are empowered to ask questions, reflect deeply, and share their own perspectives. Poetry creates that opportunity, giving young people the confidence to discover their voices and the tools to communicate them with purpose.” The contest is coordinated in partnership with Virginia Humanities, reinforcing a shared commitment to fostering creativity, civic engagement, and storytelling among Virginia’s next generation of leaders. Students are invited to submit original poetry or spoken word that is honest, thoughtful, and reflective of their own experiences. Through the contest, young writers are encouraged to explore the people, traditions, landscapes, and moments that help define Virginia and their place within it. “This poetry contest invites young Virginians to explore and express their personal connections to the Commonwealth through poetry. said Matthew Gibson, Executive Director of Virginia Humanities. “We’re proud to partner with Lieutenant Governor Hashmi to create an opportunity for young people across Virginia to express themselves through poetry and discover the power of their own voices.” The announcement coincides with the release of a new video featuring Lieutenant Governor Hashmi at Richmond murals, highlighting the connection between public art, storytelling, and self-expression. The video encourages students to embrace the power of poetry to inspire, comfort, motivate, and build understanding across communities. The contest is open to all Virginia students in grades K–12. Additional contest rules, submission guidelines, and eligibility information are available at https://www.ltgov.virginia. ###
Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi spent nearly 30 years as an educator before entering public service, experiences that continue to shape her commitment to expanding opportunity for Virginia families. After serving six years in the Virginia Senate, she was elected Virginia’s 43rd Lieutenant Governor, becoming the first Muslim woman elected to statewide office in the United States and the first South Asian American elected statewide in Virginia. As a mother of two and the daughter of immigrants, she is dedicated to protecting the rights and freedoms of all Virginians. |
