Haiku Fest awarded certificates to all participating student poets. Thanks to over 2,000 poets, parents and teachers for making Haiku Fest successful. Winning entries are listed below.

We proudly announce the following commendations for participants in grades 3 and 4:

First Prize: $100

colors everywhere
bees are flying all around
bees say buzz buzz buzz

Kaylee Gianetti, Age 10, Grade 4
High Point Elementary, Orland Park


Second Prize: $50

I’ve seen a bright light
it follows me where I go
that light is friendship

Maya Strong, Age 9, Grade 4
Decatur Classical School, Chicago


Third Prize: $20

Love is like a well
It is so deep within me
Only my heart sees

Mahari Gilbert, Age 9, Grade 4
Amelia Earhart Elementary, Chicago


Founder Award

close your eyes and dream
you are the storyteller
you will soon wake up

Aaditya Shantilal Kothadia, Age 10, Grade 4
High Point Elementary, Chicago

Poem of the School Award

the long neck giraffe
find their food in the blue sky
chewing on green leaves

Nicholas Bukowski, Age 9, Grade 3
Michael M. Byrne Elementary, Chicago


Poem of the School Award

the winter is great
i love the transformation
we play in the snow

Amaree Housley, Age 9, Grade 4
Myra Bradwell Elementary, Chicago


Poem of the School Award

One dragon watches
Its fiery breath flickers
It’s the king of beasts!

Aruuke Ulanbek, Age 10, Grade 4
Passages Charter School, Chicago


Poem of the School Award

when the flowers bloom
I will see you really soon
and the birds will sing

Joshua Batres, Age 9, Grade 4
St. Viator, Chicago

Honorable Mention

The glistening moon
Shining brightly in the stars
While the sun just sleeps

Emma Woods, Age 9, Grade 4
St. Daniel the Prophet, Chicago


Teacher of the Year:

Ms. Joann Serafin
St. Daniel the Prophet, Chicago


Schools of the Year:

St. Daniel the Prophet, Chicago
Ms. Joann Serafin

Josephine Locke Elementary, Chicago
Ms. Mindy Gonzalez,
Ms. D. Campbell,
Ms. Joann Hernandez

University of Chicago Lab School
Ms. Peggy Doyle,
Mr. Joseph Drogos,
Ms. Kristin Frank,
Ms. Staci Garner,
Ms. Christine Himmelfarb,
Ms. Lisa Miller,
Mr. Sam Nekrosius,
Ms. Jan Yourist