SPANISH FORT, Ala.—It’s absolutely no surprise to Gail Cates that three of her students at Spanish Fort High School swept the recent Daphne Public Library’s poetry contest’s 11th-grade division.

Cohen Greene placed first among juniors; Brittney Dillard came in second place; and Kayla Bitzer took third place.

“These students are very expressive and have created poetry portfolios this semester which include sestinas, villanelles and centos. They have read famous American poets, researched American poets and written tribute poems honoring famous American poets as well,” said Cates, who teaches English and language arts.

“The Daphne Public Library poetry contest added an opportunity for students to be published and gain recognition for their art, and, for that, we are grateful,” Cates saiid.