The Mattie J.T. Stepanek Arts and Poetry Contest is open until June 1, 2027 for submissions!
Poetry, Spoken Word, Film, and Illustration
In partnership with the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Peace Foundation, MY HERO invites students to share original work inspired by courage, peace, and purpose.
Once again, young writers from around the world shared powerful, creative, and deeply moving work. Entries were judged by Dr. Jeni Stepanek, peace advocate and mother of the late poet and peacemaker Mattie J.T. Stepanek.
Mattie J.T. Stepanek was a poet and peace activist whose Heartsongs gave young people a language for courage, hope, and purpose. Even while living with a rare form of muscular dystrophy, he wrote with unusual clarity about what it means to live bravely and help build peace.
Students may enter original work in four poetry-based categories: Original Poem, Spoken Word / Audio Performance, Poetry Film, and Poetry Illustration.
Mattie believed that every person carries a heartsong. This contest invites students to express themselves in words, voice, image, and film.
“Courage is being brave when there is something to fear… we need to be brave in our commitment to planning peace.” – Mattie J.T. Stepanek
Mattie J.T. Stepanek was a poet and peace activist whose Heartsongs gave young people a language for courage, hope, and purpose. Even while living with a rare form of muscular dystrophy, he wrote with unusual clarity about what it means to live bravely and help build peace.
This contest honors Mattie’s legacy by inviting students to create original work that explores courage as a force for peace.
Original Poem
Theme
Students are invited to write a poem that explores your thoughts and feelings about courage and how courage can&n bsp;be a tool for peace.
Length
Your poem can be any length; but we recommend keeping it no longer than one page.
Focus on being creative and showing what courage means to you!
Find Tips for writing a poem HERE.
Teachers, find lesson plans on the theme of Courage HERE.
Poetry & Film
Theme: Create a short film that brings a poem about courage to life. Make sure you either have permission to use the poem or that it is in the public domain.
You can make your film in different ways. Here are some ideas:
1. Voiceover (VO)
Record yourself or someone else reading the poem out loud, add images or video to add to the meaning. You can use your own footage or public domain images.
2. Text on Screen
Display the words of the poem on screen using titles or captions and combine them with images or video that illustrate the poem’s meaning.
3. Visual Poem (No Words Needed)
Create a film that expresses courage using images, music, and symbolism (metaphors), without showing or reading the poem directly.
Focus on being creative and showing what courage means to you!
Once you have finished, submit your video or mp4 file here: myhero.com/create
Optional: Submit to the MY HERO International Film Festival 
If you would like your submission to be considered for the MY HERO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, YOU CAN SUBMIT IT HERE: 
https://myhero.com/submit
Students can submit for free
- To receive a waiver code, email: media@myheroproject.org
Spoken Word l Audio Performance
Theme: Create an audio recording of spoken words, performance or a recitation of your original poem.
Your poems should explore your thoughts and feelings about courage, and how courage can be a tool for peace.
Focus on being creative and showing what courage means to you!
Once you have finished, upload your mp3 file from your computer here: myhero.com/create
Poetry Illustration
Theme: Create an illustration to accompany a poem about courage, and how courage can be a tool for peace.
Create an illustration inspired by a poem about courage and the role courage can play in building peace.
Your image should do more than mirror the words of the poem. It should deepen, interpret, or expand them in a thoughtful visual way.
Focus on being creative and showing what courage means to you!
Entries may be created in drawing, painting, collage, or digital art.
Recognition
All finalists will receive a certificate of participation.
Winning entries will be shared on The MY HERO Project and Mattie’s Peace Foundation websites.
“A heartsong doesn’t have to be a song. It can be your message, your feeling—some people might even call it a conscience. Even though that’s not really what it is. It’s what you feel you need to do.” – Mattie J.T. Stepanek
How to Enter
When you are ready to submit, go to the MY HERO Create page and upload your entry: myhero.com/create
Select the category that matches your entry:
- Story for an original poem
- Audio for spoken word or poetry recitation
- Film for a poetry film
- Art for a poetry illustration
If you are new to MY HERO, create an account first by registering HERE.
If your entry includes images, please use only original material, public-domain images, or images you have permission to use.
Mattie believed a Heartsong is a gift, something to be offered and accepted for the good of humanity. Share your Heartsong today.
About Mattie Stepanek
Learn more about Mattie’s poetry and extraordinary life fighting a rare form of muscular dystrophy.
“For Our World” a poem by Mattie Stepanek
Child peace activist and poet, Mattie Stepanek, wrote this poem after the tragedy of September 11. Read the poem that has touched millions.
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Mattie Stepanek
Produced by: Nathan Smith
A short animated tribute to poet hero Mattie Stepanek. The soundtrack features the St. Paul’s Episcopal Day School choir singing a song inspired by one of Mattie’s poems.
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Mattie Stepanek
By: Jim Hawkins
Mattie Stepanek is a hero to people of all ages around the world.
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Judge of this contest: Jeni Stepanek
Jeni Stepanek
By: Jeanne Meyers
Dr. Jeni Stepanek is one of the most inspiring activists for peace on the planet.
Poetry Lesson Plans and Multimedia Resources
National Poetry Month Resource and Lesson Plan
By: Xenia Shin
Enrich student learning and creativity using MY HERO curated resources, including short films illustrating poems.
Poetry Lesson Plan and Multimedia Resources
Credit: MY HERO
Stories about Poets
Credit: MY HERO