The annual Poetry Out Loud Competition will make its mark again as West takes the opportunity to showcase some its most talented English students. Students will be reciting poems from memory for the school-wide competition this Wednesday, Feb. 6 in the cafeteria after school.
“We’ve been running the contest for about seven years now. English teachers like that it’s a new way to teach poetry. Instead of just memorizing and analyzing a poem, this teaches kids how to relate to a poem by performing. It’s very exciting,” English teacher Paul Wack said.
Some students presented poems in their English classes and had the option of auditioning for the competition. Only a select few made it but most enjoyed the experience.
“I didn’t make it to the finals, but I think it’s important to attempt it. You learn great memorization skills, and everyone can take something from this experience,” junior Mel Leftakes said.
Finalists from this week’s competition include:
Junior Kyle McCaffrey reciting “La Figlia Che Piange,” junior Joerlyn Manalang reciting “I Am Offering this Poem,” sophomore Ida Jacobs reciting “Deliberate,” senior Lyba Zia reciting “Strange Meeting,” freshman Thea Gonzales reciting “Father,” freshman Nicole Miller reciting “Famous,” sophomore Zainab Shah reciting “The Enigma,” freshman Samantha-Abbie Padillo reciting “Backdrop Addresses Cowboy,” sophomore Jordan Goldberg reciting “Calling Him Back From Layoff,” sopohomore Rita Carmona reciting “Lazy,” and sophomore Sherlina Chauhan reciting “The Layers.”
These finalists will have to memorize a second poem along with the poem they performed last week.
The winner on Wednesday will be moving on to the regional competition which will take place Feb. 15, at the Des Plaines Public Library.
Glizyl Luna • Feb 6, 2013 at 2:25 PM
It’s really cool to see students reciting different poems because they all bring a unique aspect to it. It’s a fun way to be able to memorize and perform these poems. This also helps teach students about poetry.
Erin • Feb 6, 2013 at 2:20 PM
I still remember my Poetry Outloud poem from sophomore year. Ms. Swanson did a great job of preparing me for it!
Sam Elkin • Feb 6, 2013 at 2:07 PM
Good luck to all of the finalists in the Poetry Out Loud competition, especially Sam, Nicole, and Thea! It takes true talent to make it this far, especially if you’re a freshman.
Thea • Sep 6, 2013 at 6:15 PM
SAM. <3
Jay S • Feb 6, 2013 at 2:07 PM
This seems like a really interesting competition and I would love to see how far west goes!