Poetry Awards

In 2001 Karin McBride-Chenoweth was nominated as a "Woman of the Year 2000" by the WOYLA, London,UK. Using her new found credentials, Karin created a poetry competition throughout the Northern Ireland Elementary (Primary) Schools. It was open for everyone of Primary School (Elementary) age.The response was overwhelming. The Awards ceremony took place at The Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings, Stormont, Belfast. Sponsored by The Rgt Hon Jim Shannon, MP, it was a complete success. Out of almost 200 competitors, the independent judging panel brought the number down to 30 finalists. A book was published by local charity NIICCA and Karin. It contained the poems of all the finalists and sold to raise money for NIICCA to help abandoned and orphaned children in Crimea. VIP was Mr David Hallowell (NIICCA Int) and Jenna McCorkell British Ice Skater. 

Due to demand and the success of the inaugural awards, Karin again with Rgt Hon Jim Shannon, MP as main sponsor, expanded the Poetry Awards to be all inclusive of schools teaching challenged children with special needs. Included in the competition was an art competition to design the front cover of the book. More local sponsors got involved from local businesses and entries swelled. Again another best-selling book was published by Karin and raised money for local charity NIICCA. VIP was Karla Quinn, British Ice Skater.

Karin started to receive requests to go to the local elementary (Primary) schools in Belfast and North Down & Ards areas. She was invited to conduct VIP Masterclasses with the children. They were a complete success and she secured sponsorship from the Ards Arts Council for 2 years. 

Karin and NIICCA partnered again to have the children's work displayed on a tour of the local libraries in Northern Ireland called The Primary Roadshow. It was first launched in Holywood, Co.Down and lasted for two semesters. Karin's first children's book "Gaby's New Wings" was on display and the artwork of inspirational artist, John Stevenson (Belfast Tabernacle), kindly offered his artwork to enhance the visitors experience.

Local poet Cameron McIntyre who had also contributed to 3-in-1 The Voice sponsored the third and final awards at Parliament Buildings, Stormont in 2008. Karin organized the event once again and even more sponsors and categories contributed these included:

• Rgt Hon Jim Shannon, MP
• Cameron McIntyre
• Forward Press
• The Titanic Quarter
• Eason Bookstore
• Giles Tours
• Movilla Playgroup & Nursery
• Trophies by Design

Guest of Honor was Dame Mary Peters,  and VIP Guest British Superbike Scott Kelly.   A book containing the finalists called "Primary Poetry for All" was edited by Karin and published by Forward Press. A Book launch took place at Eason's Bookstore in Newtownards, Co.Down.