Overview

• Open to all NJ Middle and High School students
• Entries are to be 3 minutes or less
• Topic for all grades: Social Justice

Criteria

Entries will be scored based on the following criteria:

1. Content and Writing (The Poem Itself)

   1. Originality/Creativity: Is the piece fresh, unique, and surprising? Does it present original ideas or an unconventional perspective?
   2. Message/Theme: Is there a clear central idea or purpose? Is the message powerful, meaningful, and effectively conveyed to the audience?
   3. Structure and Flow: Does the poem have a logical progression of ideas (clear beginning, middle, and end)? Are the transitions smooth and coherent?
   4. Language and Imagery: Is the word choice precise? Does the poet use vivid, effective imagery, metaphors, and figurative language that enhance the meaning?

2. 🎤 Performance and Delivery

   1. Vocal Delivery: Is the voice clear, articulate, and well-projected? Is there effective use of tone, pace, volume, and rhythm to support the text?
   2. Stage Presence/Body Language: Does the performer exhibit confidence? Are facial expressions, gestures, and body movement used purposefully to emphasize the message?
   3. Connection to Audience: Does the performer establish and maintain eye contact, drawing the audience into the message and holding their attention throughout?
   4. Emotional Authenticity: Does the delivery feel genuine and from the heart? Does the performer effectively convey the emotions of the piece?

Contest Rules

Eligibility

1. The contest is open to anyone attending school in New Jersey in the 7th through 12th grades. Entrants under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian permission to enter the competition.
2. Submissions must be original and unpublished.
3. The use of artificial intelligence to compose an entry will be grounds for disqualification. An AI detection tool will be employed.
4. All entries must follow the rules in this document.

Submissions

How to submit

1. Each contestant may submit just one entry.
2. There is no registration fee for submitting an entry.
3. The text of all entries must be typed or pasted onto the contest Google form.
4. Entries must be a maximum of 3 minutes long.
5. Entries will be accepted beginning on Sun Feb 1st. The deadline for submissions is midnight Tue Feb. 10.
6. Any deviation from these rules could be the basis for disqualification.

Awards

• Contest winners will be announced on Thu, Feb 19, 2026 via a press release, ICNA NJ website and social media post. All entrants will be notified of the winners via email.
• The best entry from each grade category will be awarded a $300 Visa gift card.

FAQ’s

1. Q: Are there any registration fees?
   A: No
2. Q: Must a student be a Muslim to enter this contest?
   A: No
3. Q: Must a student be a resident of New Jersey to enter this contest?
   A: Yes
4. Q: Is this contest open to college students?
   A: No. This contest is open to NJ students attending public, private and charter schools in NJ who are currently (as of Feb 1, 2024) in grades 7 through 12
5. Q: How many essays may a student submit to this contest?
   A: Each student is allowed one entry.