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Elementary School Contest

Dollar GeneralIn 2010, Belmont began partnering with Metro Nashville Public Schools to sponsor a poetry contest in conjunction with Belmont's Annual Family Literacy Day. First through fourth grade students are invited to submit original poems based on the current year's theme.

The theme for this year's 1st Annual 4th & 5th Grade Elementary School Poetry Contest 

is "Favorite Animal", and children from Metro Nashville Elementary Schools submitted poems about their favorite animal from a story in literature.

Belmont Volunteers for Literacy

Five finalists were selected by the Belmont English Club, and the poets worked with local professional songwriters, Sherrie Austin, Zoe Cummins, Will Rambeaux and Olivia Rudeen to set their poems to music. The winners will share the following prize money ($500 - 1st, $300 - 2nd, $200 - 3rd, $100 each for 4th and 5th) which will be split evenly between the poet and their classroom teacher to benefit their class. 

This year's songs are listed below in alphabetical order by title. Enjoy!


  1. CHARLOTTE'S WEB -- see lyrics // see original poem  
  2. CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG -- see lyrics // see original poem 
  3. MADELINE FINN AND THE LIBRARY DOG -- see lyrics// see original poem
  4. MORE THAN A MOUSE -- see lyrics // see original poem
  5. MY SWAN OF MANY TRAITS -- see lyrics // see original poem