SMITHFIELD, Utah -- A Celebration of Today's Writers, sponsored by Utah-based Creative Communication, is accepting entries for its 2012 essay and poetry contests.

Thousands of dollars will be awarded to students and schools. To enter an essay, write 250 words or less on any nonfiction topic. The deadline for the essay contest is Feb. 15.

To enter a poem, submit one original poem in English, 21 lines or less. The deadline is April 12.

For contest division information, go to www.poeticpower.com.

Entries may be submitted at www.poeticpower.com or mailed to Poetry Contest or Essay Contest to: 159 N Main, Smithfield, UT 84335.

Include the author's name, address, city, state, and zip, current grade, school name, school address and teacher's name. Selected entries of merit will be invited to be published in an anthology.