Nearly 40 works of original poetry were submitted to Jamestown Community College’s first virtual poetry contest recently.

The contest, coordinated by international student and residence hall assistant Maksat Mametjumayev. The top 14 poems were performed during a special Zoom presentation by Odd?Rod, a poet and spoken word artist.

First place winners were “Unrealistic” by Alexi Mack of Hudson and “Untitled #2” by Tianna Tomlinson of Queens. “Yellow Rain Boots,” a poem by Emilia Brotka of Ischua, won second place. The third place winner was Mikaela Auch of Holley for her poem, “Miracles.”

Other finalist entries included “Cloud” and “Dawn” by Rachel Tenpas of Ellington, “Hold your breath” by Jessica Joy of Portland, “Joker” by Alanna Burlee of Mayville, “Meet Me in the Garden” by Leanne Weaver of Brooklyn, “My Grandma’s Hands” and “Soul Pool” by Ann-Marie Gariepy of Youngsville, Pa., “Unrealistic.” by Alexi Mack of Hudson, “Dear Mama Love” by Micki Gilliam of Buffalo, and “Petrichor” by Mikaela Auch of Holley.

Poems were evaluated on content, verbal and non-verbal cues, and enthusiasm by faculty judges Simone Sellstrom, Karen Weyant, and Chris Munde and Student Senate vice president Icelynn Milliner. Audience poll voting was added to the judges’ scoring sheet.