SHSE - Fourteen Students Participated In Poetry Out Loud Event

Poetry Out Loud at High School East

Smithtown High School East students participated in Poetry Out Loud, a nationwide poetry recitation contest on Dec. 16.Smithtown High School East in the Smithtown Central School District participated in Poetry Out Loud, a nationwide poetry recitation contest, on Dec. 16 in the Little Theater. 

Fourteen students from five English classes took to the stage to recite poems they had memorized during the previous weeks. The two winners were Kessandra Chisholm, who recited “Video Blues” by Mary Jo Salter, and Colleen Haggerty, who recited “I am Trying to Break Your Heart” by Kevin Young. Smithtown School District administrators Tina Mangano, director of English Language Arts, K-12, Dr. Allyn Leeds, assistant superintendent for pupil personnel services, and Paul Strader, executive director of curriculum, served as judges.

The National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation have partnered with U.S. state arts agencies to support Poetry Out Loud, a contest that encourages the nation’s youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. The program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence and learn about literacy history. 

Photo courtesy of the Smithtown Central School District - Click on photo to enlarge