Niles West will participate in National Poetry Month by hosting an assembly tomorrow in the black box theater.

Poetry Day features poetry readings and other activities. April is National Poetry Month. It was started by the Academy of American Poets in the year 1996. Schools, publishers, libraries, booksellers, and poets all across the United States come together to celebrate poetry and its place in American culture. Organizations participate through readings, festivals, book displays, workshops, and other events.

“I really think it’s very nice. I like listening to poetry and I think it’s a great opportunity for people to be encouraged to write poetry, so I’m happy Niles West has a day to celebrate it,” junior Joy Shiba said.

Sophomore Airetta Myrick is excited for Poetry Day as well.

“I never participated in poetry day before, but I think it’s really cool that we get to experience it. I think everyone should get a chance to go see the performances at least once,” Myrick said.

Some of the goals of National Poetry Month are to recognize achievements of American poets, encourage more people to read and write poetry, make poetry a bigger part in schools and classrooms, and increase the media attention given to poetry.