LCPS students compete for poetry prizes

Several students in the Las Cruces Public Schools won a poetry writing contest this week organized by the LCPS.

The students performed their original poetry at the event, the 4^th annual Dr. Karen M. Trujillo Poetry Contest. More than 40 poems were submitted by students from local high schools, with winners selected in each grade level, along with an overall “Best in Show” and several honorable mentions.

The event took place on Tuesday, May 20, at Organ Mountain High School.

Ben Trujillo, husband of the late Dr. Karen M. Trujillo, welcomed students, families, and guests to the event. Organ Mountain High School English teacher and local poet, Tim Staley served as master of ceremonies. He guided the audience through an evening of creativity and reflection.

The guest speaker was Ricardo “Rico” Gonzales, regional vice president of New Mexico at El Paso Electric and a member of the New Mexico State University Board of Regents. 

Gonzalez also serves on the board of the Dr. Karen M. Trujillo Memorial Foundation, which organizes the annual contest.

LCPS students perform poems during a ceremony at Organ Mountain High School. Some students took away contest wins and cash prizes.

Courtesy Photo

The evening began with remarks from judge and former New Mexico State University poetry professor Joseph Somoza. Students took the stage to read their winning poems aloud.

Many of the poems were personal, thought-provoking works that reflected on life, identity, and lived experience.

The winning students received cash prizes during the award ceremony.

Since its founding, the Dr. Karen M. Trujillo Memorial Foundation has secured over $600,000 in endowed scholarships to support future educators attending public universities in New Mexico.

LCPS students perform poems during a ceremony at Organ Mountain High School. Some students took away contest wins and cash prizes.

Courtesy Photo

Winners of the 2025 Dr. Karen M. Trujillo Poetry Contest

Honorable Mentions:

• Bellatrix Jimenez, OMHS – “Constellations”
• Kehler Marlatt, OMHS – “Stained Curtains”
• Michael Taylor, OMHS – “The Fire? Place”

9th Grade Best Poem:

• Arturo Luna, OMHS – “Empty Threads”

10th Grade Best Poem:

• Dia Maria Cornado Manzanares, MHS – “Touch”
• Uyen Dang, CHS – “Tube Man”
• Anton Abalos, CHS – “I Still”

11th Grade Best Poem:

• Charlotte Dennis, MHS – “Unrestrained Rage”
• Nayeli Rivera, OMHS – “Uniformity”

12th Grade Best Poem:

• Angie Campos, OMHS – “Devil Incogniton”

Best in Show:

• Dayana Medina-Ramirez, OMHS – “Severed Wounds”

Special thanks to our judges:

• Dina Honeycut – Former English Teacher
• Delilah Garcia – Former Contest Winner
• Joseph Somoza – Former NMSU Poetry Professor
  
  
  

  LCPS students perform poems during a ceremony at Organ Mountain High School. Some students took away contest wins and cash prizes.

  Courtesy Photo