Poetry Out Loud

Poetry+Out+Loud

Kamera Harper(18), who has never been in a poetry contest, decided to enter Poetry Outloud because of her English III teacher Ms. Swanson, who was also there to encourage her during the competition just a few weeks ago. “ I like poetry because it’s like another way to express your words,” said Harper.

Poetry Out loud encourages students to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life.

Winners of class competitions advances to a school-wide competition, then  advanced to a Regional Competition. Kamera was chosen to advance to the Regional Competition.

Although she felt a little nervous on her way to this competition she was mostly excited.

¨ When I was sitting watching other competitors, I felt nervous, but when I stood up and started speaking I felt a lot better,¨ Kamera said.  Her confidence and poise was shining as she spoke the words of famous poets, like Langston Hughes and Maya Angelou.

Kamera was extremely nervous when they were announcing the winners,  but when they did not announce her name she felt, ¨ Happy because, I did not think I would get that far and I am going to try again next year.¨