McKinley Dillard, a seventh-grader at New Albany Middle School, placed third in the 7th grade category of the Mississippi Poetry Contest, according to school officials.
More than 350 poems were submitted in the competition, which aims to encourage young writers across the state.
The winners and honorable mentions will be recognized at the Mississippi Book Festival next fall, officials said. Dillard’s achievement was met with congratulations from school administrators and peers.
