Epilogue
On August 8, we lost Lee Bennett Hopkins, one of FSPA’s first chancellors, and the world lost not only a poet of renown, but a true benefactor and promoter of poetry for children. He was 81, and leaves behind his husband of many years, Charles Egita, a loving family, and admirers around the world, including many who came to know him through our group.
Lee Bennett Hopkins, of Fort Myers, Florida, was a renowned anthologist and writer of children’s poetry who was a recent nominee for Florida Poet Laureate. In October, 2015, he was inducted as an Honorary FSPA Chancellor and at that time expressed a desire to support FSPA’s efforts of promoting poetry among Florida’s young people.
The Florida State Poets Association was pleased that the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award for Young People was an honor and incentive in our annual FSPA Student Poetry Contest. It was awarded to the first-place winners in each grade level. In addition, Mr. Hopkins had made a renewable commitment providing cash awards and FSPA youth memberships for all 21 place winners in the seven grade levels of our middle and high school student competition.
We are most grateful for everything Mr. Hopkins has done to encourage our state’s youngest poets and invite you to learn more about his efforts on his website: www.leebennetthopkins.com.
FSPA Youth Chair
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THE CONTEST IS CURRENTLY CLOSED.