FÉLICITATIONS “Power of the Pen” French Poem Winners

The Hamilton Public Library has run the “Power of the Pen” contest for 31 years. Young people of various ages spanning multiple cities and towns in and around the vast Hamilton area are encouraged to submit French poems to be meticulously judged. The winners have their poems published on the site and also receive a cash award. What an honour!

In September 2025, all of the students in grades 7 and 8 at James Hillier School worked hard to create original and very creative French poems. They began by brainstorming ideas. Next, they wrote in their own words, using only the French language skills that they had acquired since starting French in Grade 4. After that, they used hard cover dictionaries to look up new words and learn how to improve their writing. Finally, after using available resources and completing their final draft, they submitted that work to their French teacher. The French teacher notified families that their child’s poem would be a great candidate for the “Power of the Pen” contest; however, all students were encouraged to submit their French poems.

After months of judging, the winners were announced in February 2026. In the Grand Erie District School Board, two Grade 8 students at James Hillier Public School won the 1^st and 2^nd place awards! If you go to the “Power of the Pen” website, you can read their award-winning poems. Congratulations to Oliver Prang and Oliver Kronwald! C’est incroyable!

Power of the Pen 2025 Awardees  

Poetry (French) 
1st- Oliver Prang, The Calm of the Forest
2nd- Oliver Kronwald, Echos d'adieu

https://teens.hpl.ca/articles/2025-power-pen-winners

Sincerely,

Mme Sorensen

James Hillier Public School