Fairfax High School students took to the stage earlier this month to participate in the school's first Poetry Out Loud contest. Sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation in 2006, Poetry Out Load encourages the nation's youth to learn about poetry through memorization and recitation. The nationwide program aims to help students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence and learn about their literary heritage.
Eleven students participated by reciting two poems of their choice from an approved list provided by the 2013-2014 Poetry Out Loud competition. Using just a single microphone and no props, the students were called up in a random order. Judged by three Fairfax High School teachers, the students were graded on physical presence, voice and articulation, dramatic appropriateness, level of complexity and evidence of understanding.
"We believe Poetry Out Loud is important because it exposes students to poetry they may not otherwise discover, showcases student talent and gives them an opportunity to find out what they can do with hard work," said Jean Bonner, Fairfax High School English teacher. "Our goal is to make poetry a natural part of students' lives and events like Poetry Out Loud help with that goal."
The winner was senior Amanda Harvey who will go on to the regional competition in 2014. Amanda read the poems "Hope" is the thing with feathers by Emily Dickinson and Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night by Dylan Thomas.
