Vicksburg students have a shot at getting their handiwork seen statewide, maybe even nationwide, through upcoming contests. Besides bragging rights, cash prizes and awards will be given.

The events:

Poetry Out Loud’s National Recitation Contest

To enter

• Poetry Out Loud’s National Recitation Contest — Registration form at www.arts.state.ms.us; due by Dec. 11; contact: Ken Bolinksy, state coordinator; 601-823-0642, www. poetryoutloud.org, poetryoutloud@arts.state.ms.us.

• Mississippi World Trade Center’s Young Artists Showcase — Registration form at www.mswtc.org; due by 5 p.m. Oct. 23 to MSWTC’s offices, 175 E. Capitol St. Suite 2, Jackson; Gina Regan: 601-353-0909 or rregan@mswtc.org.

• Mississippi Public Broadcasting’s Holiday Card Contest — Registration form at www.mpbonline.org/mpbkids; due by Oct. 1 to MPB offices, 3825 Ridgewood Road, Jackson; Maggie Stevenson, 601-432-6258.

Presented by the Mississippi Arts Commission, National Endowment for the Arts and Poetry Foundation, the contest encourages high school students to learn about poetry through memorization and perform-ance. The contest begins in the classroom and winners advance to one of three Mississippi Regional Contests in February, the Mississippi State Finals March 11 in Jackson, and the National Finals April 25-27 in Washington, D.C.

The deadline for schools to submit a registration form, available at www.arts.state.ms.us, is Dec. 11. A training kit, including an audio CD and DVD video, will be given to students to help them prepare. For more information, visit www.poetryoutloud.org.

Young Artists Showcase

The second annual contest, sponsored by the Mississippi World Trade Center, is for high school students. This year’s theme is “Think Global: Create a Better Future.”

The contest aims to enable students to interpret an international theme through mediums including painting, drawing, photography and computer graphics. The goal is to educate Mississippi youths about the importance of doing business abroad and learning about other cultures.

Entries must be unframed, but properly mounted for display on easels. First place will receive a $200 award; second place, $100; and third, $50. The deadline for submission is 5 p.m. Oct. 23 at MSWTC’s offices, 175 E. Capitol St., Suite 2, Jackson.

The MSWTC is a nonprofit membership organization that provides business information. For more information, call Gina Regan at 601-353-0909, e-mail rregan@mswtc.org or visit www.mswtc.org.

Mississippi Public Broadcasting’s Holiday Card Contest

Children ages 4-12 can participate in this second annual competition by designing and illustrating an original greeting card. The design shouldn’t focus on any religious celebration.

Entries, along with an official entry form, are due by Oct. 1 at MPB offices, 3825 Ridgewood Road, Jackson.

The first place winner will receive a $100 prize package, and his or her artwork will be displayed on the 2009 greeting card that is mailed to MPB supporters. The second-place winner will receive a $50 prize package, and third will receive a $25 prize package.

Call Maggie Stevenson at 601-432-6258 or visit www.mpbonline.org.

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Contact Manivanh Chanprasith at mchan@vicksburgpost.com