10/14/2026
We are thrilled to announce the judge for the Bettendorf Public Library POE-try Contest: 2026-2027 Iowa Student Poet Ambassador Josie Nabhan-Warren! Coordinated by the University of Iowa’s Office of Community Engagement with community partners, the Iowa Student Poet Ambassador program is the highest recognition given to a young writer in Iowa.
About: Josie Nabhan-Warren is currently a senior at Iowa City West High School. Her poetry explores themes of love, community, self discovery, and growing up. She finds inspiration in long walks and different creative forms, such as dancing and music.
There is still time to submit a poem! Participants have the opportunity to read their poems aloud at our Poe-try Celebration in January, get their poem published in our book of poems, and win prizes. The Poe-try Contest is open to all ages. Submissions are due October 31. For full contest rules, see the link in the comments.
