Lt. Governor Ghazala Hashmi last week announced the launch of the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia Poetry Contest, a statewide opportunity inviting students in kindergarten through 12th grade to share their voices through original poetry. Open to students across the state, 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, Nov. 16. “Poetry reminds us that language is one of our oldest forms of civic participation,” said 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 co...