Poems written by Carrollton Elementary School first graders Braylon Chism and Payden Bexley, students in Ashley Carter’s class, were selected to be included in a judging of poetry sponsored statewide by the Garden Club of Georgia and locally by the Spade and Trowel Garden Club.

Braylon’s poem won first place and Payden’s second, and both will now compete with other first graders across the state. State winners will then compete at the region level and those winners will be entered in the national competition to be held later in the year.

The theme for the contest was “Let it Grow,” with students writing poetry about gardening.

(photo) Payden Bexley, left, and Braylon Chism wrote poems at the school level and will now compete in a state competition sponsored by the Garden Club of Georgia.