Santa Barbara Unified School District students beamed with pride as they showed off their writing skills as the winners of the district’s first Elementary Poetry Contest were announced.

The contest was for students in grades transitional kindergarten through sixth. The contest’s theme was Identity, and submissions were sent in in both English and Spanish.

More than 220 submissions were judged on originality and creativity, adherence to the theme, use of poetic language, use of grade-appropriate language conventions, and the overall impact on the reader.

Awards were given based on grade level and handed out at Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting. A few students also read their poems to everyone in the board room, and were greeted with applause.

“Poetry can really help students connect with what they are learning in class while also inspiring them to read and write. It was truly remarkable to see what our students came up with,” said schools Superintendent Hilda Maldonado.

To see the presentation and award winners, click here.