The Center for the Book sponsored the seventh annual awards ceremony for the student grand prize and regional winners in the River of Words contest. Founded in 1995 by writer Pamela Michael and Robert Hass, who served as U.S. Poet Laureate from 1995 to 1997, River of Words (www.riverofwords.org) is an international poetry and art program for students from kindergarten to 12th grade which promotes literacy and environmental stewardship. The project, explains Robert Hass, "tries to alert kids to the natural world and its connection to artistic expression and the human spirit."

The program featured poetry readings by the winning authors and a display of winning artworks by their young creators. Deborah A. Simmons of The Washington Times introduced the winners and served as program moderator. Following the ceremony, the honorees autographed the annual book of winning poems and art, River of Words: The Natural World as Viewed by Young People.