Juniors sweep inaugural Poetry Out Loud

Students at New Rockford-Sheyenne High School tried something new this year.

Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program that encourages the study of great poetry by offering free educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition for high school students. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life.

The contest is open to students in grades 9-12. Students must memorize a short poem and recite it in front of an audience, using expressive tone and body language.

This was the inaugural year of the Poetry Out Loud competition at New Rockford-Sheyenne High School. English instructor Brady Eichelberger organized the school-level competition. First, all students in grades 9-12 chose a poem and then competed against their classmates. Then, one or two "finalists" were chosen from each class, who competed in the school contest on Thursday, Jan. 27.

Macey Wobbema, the senior finalist, opened with "A Thank You Note" by Michael Ryan.

Juniors Mark McDowell and Hallie Brown recited "I Remember, I Remember" by Thomas Hood and "Ways of Talking" by Ha Jin, respectively.

Keaton Cudworth was the lone finalist from the sophomore class, delivering "Fishing" by A.E Stallings.

Hunter Genre and Addison Wallace represented the freshman class. Genre recited "The Well Rising" by William E Stafford, and Wallace was the final competitor, "Nothing To Do" by James Ephraim McGirt.

Hallie Brown earned first place and the opportunity to represent NR-S at the state Poetry Out Loud competition on Feb. 28. If she chooses to participate in the state finals, she must prepare three poems. One must be 25 lines or fewer, and one must be written before the 20th century.

McDowell received second place. The school contest was judged by Mark Huber, Brady Eichelberger and Melony Allmaras.