Announcing the 2025 Hawkeye Haiku Contest Winners
This year, 333 UI alumni and friends from 33 states and numerous countries, including Croatia, India, and Vietnam, submitted entries for our annual haiku contest.
Participants wrote haiku inspired by a "milestone" theme, using the traditional 5–7–5 syllable format.
Congratulations to our winners and honorable mentions!
2025 Hawkeye Haiku Contest Winners
Grades 3 & 4
"Race" by Ainsley L., Iowa
Finally breathing
Crossing the big finish line
Heart filling with pride
Grades 5 & 6
Will F., Iowa
Scattering rain drops
The coffin lowers under
Goodbye grandmother
Grades 7 & 8
"Final Race" by Adeline G., Kansas
Footsteps on the track
Wind blistering our faces
Waiting for the gun
Grades 9–12
Ryan K., Iowa
My father holds tight
As I pedal, he lets go
Now I can't look back
Adult, University of Iowa Alumni
Janelle Miller (08BA, 25MBA), Texas
My daughter is here
Tiny fingers, tiny toes
What awaits – who knows?
Adult, Friends of the University
Julia Wall, Iowa
Giggling, she wobbles
Left foot first, right foot follows
First steps to mom’s arms.
Enjoy reading these creative haiku from fellow Hawkeyes! Want more? Read entries from past winners.