Congratulations to Justin Samples (10th) who won the Whitefield Poetry Out Loud competition by reciting the poems Lazy by David Yezzi and After working 60 hours again for what reason by Bob Hicok. Justin now advances to the regional competition, competing against 20 other school winners this Friday at North Cobb High in Kennesaw.
Richard Sherrill (12th) earned the runner-up spot by reciting After a Rainstorm by Robert Wrigley and Across the Bay by Donald Davies. A panel of faculty members judged the competition on physical presence, voice and articulation, dramatic appropriateness, level of difficulty, evidence of understanding, and overall performance.
“The contest has gotten better every year," said Jesse Breite, Upper School English teacher. "This year we had Middle School and freshmen participate, and Heritage Preparatory School drove over to watch the performances. I think this tradition has accomplished several goals for the English culture at Whitefield in these three years, and I am excited to see how the students improve every year we continue.”
Other students participating in Poetry Out Loud were Kristen Corliss (9th), Berto Dryden (11th), Eric Lockett (11th), Jana Patton (10th), Kelsey Johnson (12th), Austin Joseph (11th), Felton Smith (9th), Rebecca Stueve (12th), and Emily Sumlin (9th). Students earned a spot in the event after winning a classroom competition in their English classrooms.
Poetry Out Loud is a national competition sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation. The program encourages youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. It helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage. The National Champion wins a $20,000 award.
Richard Sherrill (12th) earned the runner-up spot by reciting After a Rainstorm by Robert Wrigley and Across the Bay by Donald Davies. A panel of faculty members judged the competition on physical presence, voice and articulation, dramatic appropriateness, level of difficulty, evidence of understanding, and overall performance.
“The contest has gotten better every year," said Jesse Breite, Upper School English teacher. "This year we had Middle School and freshmen participate, and Heritage Preparatory School drove over to watch the performances. I think this tradition has accomplished several goals for the English culture at Whitefield in these three years, and I am excited to see how the students improve every year we continue.”
Other students participating in Poetry Out Loud were Kristen Corliss (9th), Berto Dryden (11th), Eric Lockett (11th), Jana Patton (10th), Kelsey Johnson (12th), Austin Joseph (11th), Felton Smith (9th), Rebecca Stueve (12th), and Emily Sumlin (9th). Students earned a spot in the event after winning a classroom competition in their English classrooms.
Poetry Out Loud is a national competition sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation. The program encourages youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. It helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage. The National Champion wins a $20,000 award.