Submitted by: Michael Blanchard, mblanchard@uca.edu on 04/13/2026
Four students from the University of Central Arkansas were named winners in the recently completed Collegiate Poetry Contest, sponsored by the Poets’ Roundtable of Arkansas (PRA).
Capturing first place was Norman Like from Heber Springs for his poem “I’m a Foxtail.” Norman is a member of the Class of 2028 majoring in Math Education.
Second place was awarded to Skylar Nelsen, a graduating senior this semester from North Little Rock for her poem “morning tidings.” Skylar will graduate with a dual major in Creative Writing and Film and a minor in Marketing.
Zachary Walter from Lonoke won the second honorable mention prize for his poem “Icarus’ Last Letter.” He is a member of ’s Class of 2027 with a dual major in Creative Writing and Philosophy.
Claiming the third honorable mention award for his poem “Love’s Greatest Cost” was Caleb Givens, a member of the Class of 2028 from Fayetteville majoring in Creative Writing with a minor in English.
The other two places were won by students from the University of Arkansas-Fayette and Harding University. In all, 13 students entered the contest.
Established in 1931, PRA is the state’s unofficial poetry society and is affiliated with the National Federation of State Poetry Societies. Its membership of over 100 poets from around Arkansas includes current poet laureate Suzanne Underwood Rhodes of Siloam Springs. The four students have been invited to attend PRA’s annual statewide celebration of National Poetry Month on April 18 in Benton, where they will be recognized for their accomplishments and asked to read their winning poems.