Each year seniors participate in Poetry Out Loud, a national poetry recital competition. In their English classes, the students recite sonnets from an author of their choice, paying careful attention to the memorization, composure and delivery of their poems as they perform. Winners of the classroom competitions (usually around 15-20 in total) advance to a school-wide competition, where they are judged by unbiased teachers. This year, senior Shannon Trageser was awarded top honors for her recital, and she will be going to the regional competition in January. English teacher Meekah Hopkins believes Poetry Out Loud is a rewarding experience for students.

“It’s a great way to get students to see poetry as a form of communication, not just something we read and analyze in the classroom” said Hopkins.