The North Carolina Poetry Society has created an endowment for a student poetry contest in memory of the late Joan Scott, who owned The Country Bookshop in Southern Pines for many years.

Scott promoted the books of North Carolina poets and writers in her shop and invited poets to read from their works. Many Poetry Society members knew Joan and looked forward to visiting her there.

"We are saddened by her passing," says Carol Peters, contest sponsorship chair. "She was a great friend to the NCPS, often selling books during our meetings and donating the proceeds to our treasury."

The Joan Scott Memorial Award is for poems about the environment and is for students in grades 3 - 8. Winning students receive cash and award certificates. The first place winner also receives a trophy.

The Poetry Society estimates that approximately $3,000 is needed to endow the award. This award replaces the discontinued Frances W. Phillips Award.

Those interested in contributing may make checks payable to the North Carolina Poetry Society and mail them to Carol Peters, Poetry Contest Sponsorship Chair, 26 New Castle Place, Pinehurst, NC 28374.